When an actor I had, of course, learned all the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for my skill.

I took advantage now of my attainments.

I painted my face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a small slip of flesh-coloured plaster.

Then with a red head of hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a beggar.

For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no less than 26s.