unspeakable. If he had the strength for such a
fight, nothing could conquer him. She started at a step outside,
thinking that it might be he.

Suddenly she realized that he might not want even her to see this; that
he might not want her to know of this drab tent where he crawled for
sleep off the field of battle. She went to the narrow bed and laid her
hand gently where his cheek would rest.

"Jarvis, my dear!" she whispered.

Then she went down the rickety stairs, out to the waiting cab. She was
sick, heart and body, at the revelation of what his struggle meant. All
the mother in her cried out at the physical distress of such
surroundings to a nature sensitive to environment.

He could have come back to the sunny, airy rooms he had made his, at
home; but he had chosen to stay and win. So many things she had not
understood about him were made clear now, and she wondered if Richard
Strong had found him there. No wonder Jarvis had repulsed him, taken
unawares, and at such a disadvantage!

"Oh, why didn't you let me know and help?" she repeated. She had the man
take her round and round the Park, where it was quiet. She must get
herself in hand. She felt that at the slightest excuse she would burst
into hysterics! More than ever, now, must she be mistress of herself for
the coming interview. She must fight to catch the big manager's
attention, and win her way with him. She drew her furs about her, closed
her eyes, and tried to shut out the sight of that sordid, wretched room,
where handsome big Jarvis was paying the toll to success--toll of blood
and brain and nerves, paid by every man or woman who mounts to the top!
She saw him climbing wearily those dirty stairs, coming into the cell.
Over and over she saw it, like a moving-picture film repeated
indefinitely.

At quarter before three she ordered the driver to the Empire Theatre.
This time his face cleared. Actress, of course. Probably went to the
slums to look up a drunken husband. He drew up at the theatre, demanded
a queen's ransom for her release, and stood at attention. She was too
nervous to notice the amount, and paid it absently, dismissed him, and
hurried to the elevator.

She was first shown into the general-domo's office, where she was
catechised as to her name and her business. She waited fifteen minutes
while her name was passed down the line. Word came back that Mr. Frohman
was engaged. Would she please wait?

"I'll wait, but my appointment was at t