. "Why it's the very
opportunity that I've been yearning for, but never expected to get. Let
me read you his letter."

Unfolding the letter that she had been holding in one hand, Anne read:

"MY DEAR MISS PIERSON:

"Remembering your exceptionally fine work as 'Rosalind' in the
production of 'As You Like It,' given at your High School last
year, I now write to offer you the same part in a six weeks'
revival of the same play about to be presented in New York. Your
acceptance will be a source of gratification to me, as it is very
hard to engage actors who are particularly adapted to Shakespearian
roles. The salary will be one hundred dollars per week with all
traveling expenses paid.

"My sister extends a cordial invitation to you to make our home
yours during your stay in New York, and will write you at once.
I have already written Miss Tebbs regarding my offer. Hoping to
receive an affirmative answer by return mail, with best wishes,
I remain

"Yours sincerely,

"EVERETT SOUTHARD."

"Well, I should say the unexpected had happened," said Grace, as Anne
finished reading. "One hundred dollars a week for six weeks! Why, Anne,
think of it! You will have six hundred dollars for six weeks' work. I
had no idea they paid such salaries."

"They pay more than that in companies like Mr. Southard's," replied
Anne. "If I had acquired fame I could command twice that sum. I can't
imagine why he ever chose me. Suppose I should fail entirely."

"Nonsense," retorted Grace. "You couldn't fail if you tried. The only
thing that I am afraid of is that you'll be so carried away with the
stage that you'll forget to come back to us again."

"Don't say that, Grace," said Anne quickly. "I never shall. I am wild to
play this engagement, because it means that I am sure of at least two
years in college, and I think if I can get tutoring to do, I can pull
through the whole four. Aside from that, the stage is the last career in
the world that I should choose. You know my views on that subject."

"I was only jesting, dear," Grace assured her, seeing the look of
anxiety that crept into Anne's eyes. "I know you'll come back. We
couldn't graduate without you. When shall you write to Mr. Southard?"

"I have already written," replied Anne gravely. "I knew that nothing
could induce me to refuse, so I settled the matter at once."

"Confess, you bad child,"