ing; and the cast
registered her name opposite Rosalind.

"So that's the answer to the letter I wrote, and a grand answer it
is. And that's the meaning of Janet Payne's remarks, and I never
guessed it." She heaved the faintest wisp of a sigh--it might have
been pleasure; it might have been a twinge of pain. "And I'm to be
playing the Duke's daughter, after all, at the end of the road."

She went to the general delivery and asked for mail. The clerk
responded with three letters; Patsy almost whistled under her breath.
Retiring to a corner, she looked them over and opened first the one
from George Travis:

DEAR IRISH PATSY,--You are a lucky beggar, and so am I. Here
comes the news of Miriam St. Regis's illness and the
canceling of all of her summer engagements in the same mail
as your letter.

Just think of it! Here you are actually in Arden all ready
for me to pick up and put in Miriam's place without having
to budge from my desk. The Sylvan Players open with "As You
Like It." If the critics like it--and you--as well as I
think they will, I'll book you straight through the summer.
Felton's managing for me, so please report to him on Monday
when he gets there. I may run down myself for a glimpse of
your work.

Yours,
G. TRAVIS.

P. S. More good luck. We are just in time to get your name
on the posters; and unless my memory greatly deceives me,
you will be able to walk right into all of Miriam's
costumes.

"Aye, they'll fit," agreed Patsy, with a chuckle. The second letter
was from Felton--dated Monday. He was worried over her continued
absence. He had not found her registered at either of the two
hotels, and the postal clerk reported her mail uncalled for. Would
she come to the Hillcrest Hotel at once. The third was from Janet
Payne, expressing her grief over Joseph's death, and their
disappointment at finding her gone the next morning when they motored
over to take her to Arden. They were all looking forward to seeing
her play on Wednesday.

Patsy returned the letters to their envelopes and marveled that her
new-found prosperity should affect her so drearily. Why was she not
elated, transported with the surprise and the sudden promise of
success? She was free to go now to a good hotel and sign for a room
and three regular meals a day. She could wire at once to Miss Gibbs,
of the selec