There is the small fastidious public of people who take the theatre seriously, and there is the large easy-going public who get the only sensation they want out of her beauty and her personal prestige.

The enthusiasts have no difficulty, as yet, in holding their own against the scoffers, and for a long time Miss Bretherton knew and cared nothing for what the critical people said, but of late I have noticed at times that she knows more and cares more than she did.

It seems to me that there is a little growing soreness in her mind, and just now if I refuse to let her have that play it will destroy her confidence in her friends, as it were.

She won't reproach me, she won't quarrel with me, but it will go to her heart.

Do, for heaven's sake, Kendal, help me to some plausible fiction or other!' 'I wish I could,' said Kendal, pacing up and down, his gray hair falling forward over his brow.