Even Mr. DeVere seemed
unnerved.
"It may seem harsh to say this to you," went on Dr. Rathby, "but it
is the kindest in the end. Rest is what you need."
"Then I can't go to rehearsal in the morning?"
"Certainly not. I must forbid it as your physician. Can't you get a
few days off?"
Mr. DeVere shook his head.
"Aren't there such things as understudies? Seems to me I have heard
of them," persisted the physician.
"I--I wouldn't like to have to put one on," said the actor.
His daughters knew the reason. Times were but little better than they
had been in the theatrical business. Many good men and women, too,
were out of engagements, and every available part was quickly snapped
up. Mr. DeVere had waited long enough for this opening, and now to
have to put on an understudy when the play was on the eve of opening,
might mean the loss of his chances. Theatrical managers were
uncertain at best, and an actor in an important part, with a voice
that would not carry beyond the first few rows, was out of the
question.
Mr. DeVere knew this as well as did his daughters.
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