all
about you, or had thrown your circular into the fire. You must send him
another with a polite reminder of his promise to find you engagements,
`subject, of course, to the usual commission.' Number three had
actually pinned you up on the board, beside the Performing Brothers and
the Negro Troupe. He ought to have been an author, for he had a
beautiful imagination! When I inquired about you he waxed quite
enthusiastic about your abilities and popularity. I regarded him more
in joy than in anger, and hoped he embroidered as eloquently to all his
customers."

"Oh! oh!" cried Hope, aghast. She was torn in twain between elation and
pangs of conscience. "How sweet of you, Phil! But--do you think it is
quite right?"

"Why not? Does not every unknown author implore his friends to ask for
his books at their libraries and express untold surprise because they
are unknown? Why should not we advertise you in your turn?"

"You must be boomed, my dear, or you may wait for ever for an
engagement. I was even more bold than Phil," confessed Theo, "for I
purposely hung about until other people went into the shop, and then
spoke in such a loud voice that they were obliged to hear what I said.
They seemed quite interested, and I left one lady reading the circular
and asking questions about you. In another shop I said in an anxious
voice, `I _hope_ she will be able to come to me when I want her. Will
it be necessary to engage her a _long_ time ahead?' The man looked as
solemn as an owl, and said, `Well, madam, it would be wise. There is
sure to be a rush in the Christmas holidays.' What do you think of
that? Won't it be exciting when the letters come in?"

There was no doubt about that, but unfortunately no letters arrived; and
the weeks passed by, and the Christmas holidays began, and not a mother
in the whole Metropolis expressed the slightest desire to engage the
services of the "children's charming entertainer." Hope's wistful look
each time that the postman's knock came to the door moved her sisters to
fresh efforts on her behalf, and an ingeniously worded inquiry was
despatched for publication in the pages of a popular fashion magazine:

"Can any lady recommend a new form of entertainment for a children's
party? No lanterns, conjurers, or marionettes. Early answer much
appreciated."

An early answer was, in fact, in readiness from the hour when the
inquiry was posted, wherein Theo was prepared to certify