minds about the matter. He had seen that this new manner
of presenting plays had a great future, not only for the public but
for the acting profession. And now, when a chance came for his
daughters to get into it, he hardly knew what to say. He had made up
his mind that they should never go on the dramatic stage. But
this----.

"Something has to be done," urged the manager. "I can't hold things
back much longer."

"Wouldn't you like to try it, Ruth?" asked Alice, catching her
sister's hands. "I think it will be just fine!"

"Why, I--I think I would like it--if they think I can do it," agreed
Ruth.

"Oh, you can do it all right," Mr. Pertell assured her. "It is very
simple. A little coaching is all you need. What do you say, Mr.
DeVere? May the girls go in?"

"Why, I--er--I hardly know what to say. It is so different from
anything they have ever done. And I never expected----"

"Oh, they can do it!" interrupted the manager. "They've been around
here long enough to know how we do things. Come, it may be a good
opening for them."

"All right, I don't mind," said the actor. "I shall be very glad to
let them help you out, Mr. Pertell."

"Oh, I don't ask it as a favor. I'm willing to pay for their time. I
was to give Miss Parker and Miss Dengon five dollars each for a few
minutes of their time to-day, but they have disappointed me. I now
offer it to your daughters."

"Oh, fine!" cried Alice, clapping her hands. "Then I can get that new
hat I've been wanting so much. Come on, Ruth. What do we have to do,
Mr. Pertell?"

The manager quickly explained what was wanted. The two girls had
simple parts, with Mr. Harrison as the chief character. Alice and
Ruth soon grasped what was required of them, and, after a little
coaching and rehearsing, they were ready.

"Now stand over here," directed Mr. Pertell, who took personal charge
this time, "and don't pay any attention to the camera. Don't look at
it, in fact. Keep your eyes on Mr. Harrison, or on some part of
scenery. Just forget everything but what you have to do."

"Shall we speak the lines aloud?" asked Ruth.

"If you like. Perhaps it will be better, for the first time, to do
so," suggested Mr. Pertell. "It may help you to get the 'business'
down better. A little more light here!" he called to the electrician,
for in one of the scenes artificial illumination was used. "Are you
all ready, Russ?" he asked the young operator.

"All ready; yes, sir!"

"Then--go!