red from various sources, will serve to indicate something of their
character:

_To an English author whose play, a weak one, was rapidly failing:_

No; it is not the war that is affecting your business. It is the
play--nothing else.

_To Cyril Maude, whose penmanship is notably indecipherable:_

I can't read your handwriting very well; but I wonder if you can
read my typewriting. Just pretend I typed this myself.... Speaking
of hits, Granville Barker arrived yesterday, and the city suddenly
became terribly cold--awful weather. Barker will do well.

_To Haddon Chambers:_

Last night we produced "Driven" against your judgment. The press
not favorable. But still I'm hoping.

_To a colleague:_

I announced "Driven" as a comedy. Next day I called it a play. But
soon I may call it off.

_To W. Lestocq:_

The American actors over here are worried about so many English
actors in our midst. I employ both kinds--that is, I want good
actors only.

_To an English author:_

As to conditions here being bad for good plays; that is a joke. The
distressful business is for the bad plays that I and other managers
sometimes produce.

_To one of his managers:_

Do not use the line "The World-Famous Tri-Star Combination." Just
say "The Great Three-Star Combination." It is easier to understand.
And all will be well.

_To one of his managers who spoke of the superiority of an actress who
had replaced another about to retire to private life:_

But now that her stage life is over we should remember her years of
good work. She had a simple, childish, fairy-like appeal. I write
this to you to express my feeling for one who has left our work for
good, and I can think now only of pleasant memories. I want you to
feel the same.

_To an English author, January, 1915:_

Over here they say the real heroes of the year are the managers
that dare produce new plays.

_To a business colleague about a singing comedian who was laid up with a
serious illness:_

I am sorry he is sick. But that was a rotten thing for him to
do--to steal our song. I suppose he is better. Only the good die
young.

_To Marie Doro:_

I saw you in the picture play. It and you were fine. What a lot of
money you make! When I return from London I'm going to see if I can
earn $10 a day to play in som