He is getting ready for the first performance
of 'A Matter of Friendship,' to-night."

"A matter of friendship," repeated Alice. "What a play on the words!"

"I sent in my card," explained Mr. DeVere, "and told him I must have
a little money. He sent back word that he was sorry, but that he had
invested so much in the play that he could spare none."

There was a period of silence. The girls looked pityingly at their
father.

"Something must be done," he declared, finally. "I can try elsewhere.
I will go see----"

A knock at the door interrupted him. Before Alice could speak Ruth
had gained it. She tried to close it, but was not in time to prevent
the caller from being heard.

"The boss says there's no use orderin' any more groceries, until
youse has paid for what youse has got," said a coarse voice. "Take
it from me--nothin' doin'!"

"Oh!" Ruth was heard to murmur.

Mr. DeVere started from his chair.

"The insulting----" he began.

Alice touched him on the arm.

"Don't!" she begged, softly.

Mr. DeVere turned aside. He slipped his arm around Alice, and, as
Ruth came in, with tears in her eyes, she, too, found a haven in her
father's embrace. Then the actor spoke.

"Alice, dear," he faltered, "What is the address of that--that moving
picture manager?"

CHAPTER X

THE MAN IN THE KITCHEN

Let it be said of Alice that, even in this moment of triumph, she did
not gloat over her victory--for victory it was. Had she planned it,
events could not have transpired to better purpose. The combination
of circumstances had forced her father along the line of least
resistance into the very path she would had chosen for him, and she
felt in her soul that it was best.

But she did not say: "There, I knew you'd come to it, Daddy!" Many a
girl would, and so have spoiled matters. Alice merely looked demurely
at her father--and gave him the address.

The girl was perhaps wiser than her years would indicate, and
certainly in this matter she was more resourceful than was Ruth. But
then chance had played into her hands. That meeting with Russ had
done much.

"Yes, I think I must come to it," sighed Mr. DeVere. "It is being
forced on me--the movies. I never thought I would descend to them!"

"It isn't a fall at all, Daddy!" declared Alice, stoutly. "I'm glad
you are going into them. You'll like them, I'm sure."

"The actors--and actresses--if one can call them such--who take parts
in moving picture plays mu