r. Southard's prediction. He could not
refrain from showing his satisfaction with Evelyn. Within half an hour
after entering his office she had signed a contract to play the part of
'Constance Devon' in the forthcoming production of 'The Reckoning.'

"First rehearsal July 2d. Here's the part. Study it. Make these hardened
barnstormers help you," declared Mr. Forest with a dry chuckle, as he
handed her the part.

"But how does he know that I can do it?" she questioned, half fearfully,
as they left the office.

"He is going to take a chance," explained Mr. Southard. "In his own mind
he thinks you will do. He knows we will help you. You must work hard and
prove to him that he is right."

To Evelyn the rest of that eventful Saturday seemed like a marvelous
dream. She had never before been in a large city, but despite her
interest in the sights and sounds of New York she could not help
thinking of how different it might all have been if she had not met
Kathleen. The busy, endless streets terrified her and the more she saw
of the great metropolis the less confidence she felt in her own power to
wrest a living from it, single-handed and alone.

After leaving Mr. Forest's office they took luncheon at the Southards.
Mr. Southard and Anne had a matinee in the afternoon. That evening they
were to give the final performance of their season, which had run later
than usual. Kathleen had an assignment for her paper for the afternoon,
so Miss Southard took Evelyn to a matinee at one of the theaters. That
evening the little party met at six o'clock in Mr. Southard's dressing
room, where their dinner was brought in and served to them. Afterward
Kathleen, Miss Southard and Evelyn sat in a box and saw Everett Southard
and Anne in "The Merchant of Venice."

After the theater came a little supper at the Southards' home to which
Mr. Vernon, Kathleen's fiance, was also invited. Miss Southard had
insisted that Kathleen and Evelyn should be her guests for the remainder
of their stay in New York, and it was under the Southards' hospitable
roof that Evelyn fell asleep that night after one of the happiest, most
eventful days she had ever spent.

Sunday morning soon slipped by. It seemed hardly half an hour from
breakfast until train time. The charming informality with which the
actor and his sister treated her made Evelyn feel as though she had
known them for a very long time. In the enjoyment of the moment she
quite forgot the real reason