ad dreamed; that was
impossible. But she had voice enough for a little part, where a living
could be made; and perhaps she would presently fathom the secret of the
cause of her delicate throat and would be able to go far--possibly as
far as she had dreamed.

The delay of a few days was irritating. She would have preferred to
push straight on, while her courage was taut. Still, the delay had one
advantage--she could prepare the details of her plan. So, instead of
going to the office of the theatrical manager--Crossley, the most
successful producer of light, musical pieces of all kinds--she went to
call on several of the girls she knew who were more or less in touch
with matters theatrical. And she found out just how to proceed toward
accomplishing a purpose which ought not to be difficult for one with
such a voice as hers and with physical charms peculiarly fitted for
stage exhibition.

Not until Saturday was her voice at its best again. She, naturally,
decided not to go to the theatrical office on Monday, but to wait until
she had seen and talked with Keith. One more day did not matter, and
Keith might be stimulating, might even have some useful suggestions to
offer. She received him with a manner that was a version, and a most
charming version, of his own tranquil indifference. But his first
remark threw her into a panic. Said he:

"I've only a few minutes. No, thanks, I'll not sit."

"You needn't have bothered to come," said she coldly.

"I always keep my engagements. Baird tells me you have given up the
arrangement you had with him. You'll probably be moving from here, as
you'll not have the money to stay on. Send me your new address,
please." He took a paper from his pocket and gave it to her. "You
will find this useful--if you are in earnest," said he. "Good-by, and
good luck. I'll hope to see you in a few weeks."

Before she had recovered herself in the least, she was standing there
alone, the paper in her hand, her stupefied gaze upon the door through
which he had disappeared. All his movements and his speech had been of
his customary, his invariable, deliberateness; but she had the
impression of whirling and rushing haste. With a long gasping sigh she
fell to trembling all over. She sped to her room, got its door safely
closed just in time. Down she sank upon the bed, to give way to an
attack of hysterics.

We are constantly finding ourselves putting forth the lovely flowers
and fruit o