She was interesting, in a manner, to the occupant of the chair, and the simplicity of her request and attitude took his fancy.

He smiled, as did the others in the room, who, however, made some slight effort to conceal their humor.
"I don't know," he answered, looking her brazenly over.

"Have you ever had any experience upon the stage ?" "A little," answered Carrie.

"I have taken part in amateur performances." She thought she had to make some sort of showing in order to retain his interest.
"Never studied for the stage ?" he said, putting on an air intended as much to impress his friends with his discretion as Carrie.
"No, sir." "Well, I don't know," he answered, tipping lazily back in his chair while she stood before him.

"What makes you want to get on the stage ?" She felt abashed at the man's daring, but could only smile in answer to his engaging smirk, and say: "I need to make a living." "Oh," he answered, rather taken by her trim appearance, and feeling as if he might scrape up an acquaintance with her.