He had been afraid that he was about to precipitate another conversation upon the marriage question.
The part of Laura, as Carrie found out when she began to examine it, was one of suffering and tears.

As delineated by Mr.Daly, it was true to the most sacred traditions of melodrama as he found it when he began his career.

The sorrowful demeanor, the tremolo music, the long, explanatory, cumulative addresses, all were there.
"Poor fellow," read Carrie, consulting the text and drawing her voice out pathetically.

"Martin, be sure and give him a glass of wine before he goes." She was surprised at the briefness of the entire part, not knowing that she must be on the stage while others were talking, and not only be there, but also keep herself in harmony with the dramatic movement of the scenes.
"I think I can do that, though," she concluded.
When Drouet came the next night, she was very much satisfied with her day's study.
"Well, how goes it, Caddie ?" he said.
"All right," she laughed.

"I think I have it memorized nearly." "That's good," he said.