in the
hallway.

"Is he any better?" the young moving picture operator asked.

"I think so," answered Ruth. "But isn't it too bad? Just when
everything looked so bright."

"Oh, well, it will come out all right, I'm sure," spoke Russ. "Don't
you want to come to see our show to-night? We've got some fine
pictures. I'm going down a little early to get the reels in shape."

"We very seldom go to the 'movies,'" answered Ruth. "Though I have
seen some I liked."

"We have some fine ones," went on Russ.

"Better come on down. I'll get you a pass in!" and he laughed
genially.

"Not this time," answered Ruth gently. "I must get back and help
Alice look after my father. Thank you."

She left him at the corner, and he passed on whistling softly and
thinking of many things.

Mr. DeVere seemed better when Ruth got back with the medicine. And
when his throat was sprayed he could talk with less effort. But his
tones were still very husky, and it was evident that unless there was
a great improvement in the morning he would hardly be able to go to
rehearsal.

"I'm glad the show doesn't open until next week," he said with a
smile. "I'd never be able to make myself heard beyond the first three
rows. But I'll surely be better by the time we open."

"What did you mean by saying you had this same trouble before, Dad?"
asked Alice.

"Well, it did come on me last summer, when I was taking my little
vacation," he replied. "It wasn't quite as bad as this, though."

"You never told us," accused Ruth.

"No, I didn't want to worry you. It passed over, and I'm sure this
will."

Mr. DeVere spoke little the next morning. Perhaps he did not want
his daughters to know how very hoarse his voice was. He left for the
doctor's before going to the theater, and most anxiously did the
girls await his return.

"There he is!" exclaimed Ruth at length, late that afternoon.

"But he's earlier than usual!" said Alice. "I wonder----"

Mr. DeVere fairly staggered into the room. His face was white as he
sank into a chair Alice pushed forward.

"Daddy!" exclaimed the girls.

He shook his head mournfully.

"It--it's no use!" he said, and they could barely make out his words.
"My voice failed completely. I--I had to give up the rehearsal," and
he covered his face with his hands.

CHAPTER V

REPLACED

For a few moments the two girls said nothing. They simply stood
there, looking at their father, who was bowed with grief. It was