Then we are behind with the rent, Ruth?"

"Yes, Dad. You know I told you----"

"Yes, I suppose so," he added, with a sigh. "I had forgotten. There
have been so many things----"

He was lost in thought for a moment.

"Do we owe much more, Ruth?" he asked.

"Quite some, Daddy. But don't worry. You are not well, and----"

"No, I am not well. I feel very poorly, but it is mainly mental, and
not physical--except for my throat. And even that does not really
hurt. It is only--only that I cannot speak."

His voice trailed off into a hoarse whisper, which the girls could
barely distinguish.

"I--I must find something to do," went on the stricken actor. "I'll
go out again this afternoon. Let us have a little lunch and I will
try again. I'll do anything----"

"Then, Daddy, why don't you let me tell about the moving pictures?"
broke in Alice. "I'm sure----"

"Alice, dear, you know that isn't in my line," replied her father.
"It is very good of you to suggest it; but it will not do. I could
not bring myself to it----"

He paused, and looked dejectedly at the dispossess notice in his
hand.

"I--I could not do it," he added with a sigh. "I must try to get
something in the line of my profession. Perhaps I might get a place
in some dramatic school. I have trained you girls in the rudiments of
acting, and I'm sure I could do it with a larger class. I did not
think of it before. Get me some lunch, Ruth, and I'll go out again."

"But what about the rent?" asked Alice. "We can't be put out on the
street, Dad."

"No, I suppose not. I'll see Mr. Cross, and get another loan. I'll
pay him back out of my first salary. We must have a roof over us. Oh,
girls, I am so sorry for you!"

"Don't worry about us, Daddy! You just get better and take care of
your throat!" urged Alice. "You might try the movies, just for a
little while, and then----"

"Never! Never!" he interrupted with vigor. "I could not think of it!"

Again there came a knock at the door.

"I'll go," offered Alice.

"No, let me," said Ruth, quickly.

She slipped out into the hall, and closed the door after her. There
was a low murmur of voices, gradually growing louder on the part of
the unseen caller. Ruth seemed pleading. Then Mr. DeVere and Alice
heard:

"It's no use. The boss says he won't send around any more meat until
the bill is paid. He told me to tell you he couldn't wait any
longer--that's all there is to it!"

"Oh!" 'said Alice, in a low voice.