ntained silence, but their opposition was as palpable as a
cold wind. Royleston's cynical face expressed an open contempt. The
lesser people were anxious to know the kind of characters they were to
play, and a few were sympathetically eager to hear the play itself.

He read the manuscript with some assurance of manner, but made no
suggestion as to the stage business, contenting himself with producing
an effect on the minds of the principals; but as the girlish charm of
_Enid's_ character made itself felt, the women of the company began to
glow.

"Why, it's very beautiful!" they exclaimed.

Hugh, on the scent for another "problem," began to relax, and even
Westervelt grunted a few words of approval, qualified at once by the
whispered words, "Not a cent in it--not a cent." Royleston, between his
acts, regarded the air with dreamy gaze. "I don't see myself in that
part yet, but it's very good--very good."

The reading closed rather well, producing the desired effect of "happy
tears" on the faces of several of the feminine members of the cast, and
Helen again spoke of her pleasure in such work and asked them to "lend
themselves" to the lines. "This play is a kind of poem," she said, "and
makes a direct appeal to women, and yet I believe it will also win its
way to the hearts of the men."

As they rose Douglass returned the manuscript to Helen with a bow. "I
renounce all rights. Hereafter I am but a spectator."

"I think you are right in not attempting rehearsals. You are worn and
tired. Why don't you go away for a time? A sea voyage would do you
good."

"No, I must stay and face the music, as my father used to say. I do not
wish to seem to run away, and, besides, I may be able to offer a
suggestion now and then."

"Oh, I didn't mean to have you miss the first night. You could come back
for that. If you stay we will be glad of any suggestion at any
time--won't we, Hugh?"

Hugh refused to be brought into any marked agreement. "Of course, the
author's advice is valuable, but with a man like Olquest--"

"I don't want to see a single rehearsal," replied Douglass. "I want to
have the joy this time of seeing my characters on the opening night
fully embodied. If the success of the play depended upon my personal
supervision, the case would be different, but it doesn't. I trust you
and Olquest. I will keep away."

Again they went to lunch together, but the old-time elation was sadly
wanting. Hugh was silent and Douglass