a, and immediately, in
the politest manner, asked her if she did not know of some room she
could rent with a private family.

"Ah, that just fits in fine! . . . If you wish, there is a room in
our house that you may have. We can let you have it cheap, together
with your meals. It is a very nice room on the lower floor, with
windows facing the south, and a separate entrance from the hall."

They agreed on the price and Janina said she would pay her a month's
rent in advance.

"So that all's settled!" said Sowinska. "You will find our house
very quiet, for my daughter has no children. . . . Come, I will show
you the room."

"Not until after the rehearsal; and if you haven't the time to wait,
leave me the address and I will find the place myself."

Sowinska gave her the address and went away.

Janina was handed her notes and took part in the rehearsal, singing
from them.

Kaczkowska wanted Halt to accompany her at the piano.

"Give me a rest, madame! I have no time!" he answered.

"If you wish, madame, I will accompany you, providing it is from
notes . . ." proposed Janina.

Kaczkowska drew her eagerly away to the room with the piano and kept
her busy for about an hour; but the whole company at once became
interested in this chorus girl who could play the piano.

Afterward Cabinska spoke with Janina a long time, and requested her
to come to her home the following day after the rehearsal.

Janina went straight from the theater to Sowinska's house to look at
her room.

CHAPTER IV

"The Management has the honor of requesting the presence of the lady
and gentleman artists of the Company, as also the members of the
orchestra and the choruses, at a tea and social to be held at the
home of the Director on the 6th of this month, after the
performance. The Director of the Society of Dramatic Artists.
(Signed) John, the Anointed, Cabinski.

"Well, what do you say, Pepa? . . . Will this do? . . ." the
Director asked his wife after he had read aloud the invitation.

"Teddy! be quiet, I can't hear what father is reading." "Mamma,
Eddy took my roll!"

"Papa, Teddy called me a jackass!"

"Silence! By God! with those children . . . Quiet them, Pepa."

"If you give me a penny, pa, I'll be quiet."

"And me too, me too!"

Cabinski held the whip on his knee under the table and waited; as
soon as the children had advanced near enough, he sprang up and
began to belabor them.

There arose a squealing and scree