The unusual exercise may have tired me, or perhaps it was some lingering
remnant of the old farm superstition against the theatre that made me
slacken my steps as I neared the office. I remembered my father's
tremulous voice cautioning me against play-houses before I started for the
city.
"Now don't ye go near them places," he said, wiping his nose and dodging
about the corners of his eyes. "They're bad for young girls."
Why do I think of these things? If he cares so much for me, why doesn't he
get me the money I asked for; instead of coming here-on a cattle train?
Whatever the reason, Puritanic training or fear of my errand, I walked
slowly back and forth in front of the dingy little office of the theatre
for some time before I conquered my irresolution and went desperately into
the place.
They told me the manager was out, but after a little waiting I began to
suspect that this was a dingy white lie, and so it proved; for when I
lifted my veil and blushing like a school-girl, told the people in the
office who I was, at once some one scurried into a little den and
presently came out to say that Mr.
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