"No-o. Oh, no."

This was how it happened that Mr. Jarvis Jocelyn took the midnight train
to New York, while Mrs. Jarvis Jocelyn followed on an early morning one.

"But why, if you both have to go to that city of abominations, do you
not go together?" inquired the Professor.

"Part of the secret," she reminded him.

"Dear me, I had forgotten we were living in a plot. How is it coming
out?"

"I will know to-day, definitely, just how, when, and where it is coming
out."

Jarvis presented himself at the theatre at eleven sharp, and felt a
thrill of righteous pride when he was ushered into the private office
without delay. His vow that he would enter without so much as a
calling-card had come true sooner than he had hoped.

Mr. Frohman smiled in his friendly way, and shook hands.

"How's my friend, the ex-Jehu?" he laughed.

"Fine! I hope you are well."

"I'm all right. How's the play?"

"I have it here. It is good."

"Good, is it?" Mr. Frohman's eyes twinkled.

"Yes. My--Mrs. Jocelyn worked at it with me, and I have to admit that
the success, if it is one, is largely due to her."

"She is a writer, too?"

"No, but she has a keen dramatic sense. She understands character, too."

"So? Lucky for you. Does she want her name on the bills?"

"She has never spoken of it, but I wish her to go on as co-dramatist."

"All right. Clever wife is an asset. Now we've got just two hours. Go
ahead--read me what you've got there."

Jarvis unpacked the manuscript and began. He had worked over the scenes
so often with Bambi that he fell into her dramatic way of "doing" the
scenes. Once or twice the manager chuckled as he recognized her touch
and intonation on a line. Certainly Jarvis had never read so well. He
was encouraged by frequent laughs from his audience. There were
interruptions now and then, criticisms and suggestions. As he read and
laid down the last page, Mr. Frohman nodded his head.

"Pretty clever work for amateurs," he said.

"You think it will go?"

"With some changes and rearrangements. Yes, I should say so."

"Are you thinking of producing it soon?"

"Yes, if I can make satisfactory arrangements with the author I'll put
it in rehearsal right away."

"I think the author will be satisfied."

The manager looked a question.

"We have been corresponding during my work on it," Jarvis explained.

Mr. Frohman stared, then laughed.

"We can soon find out whether she's pleased. She is due here at