But on the face
of Alice there was a triumphant smile. For she saw that this was the
very thing needed to arouse her father to action. Despite the
distastefulness of the work, she felt sure he would come finally to
like acting before the camera.
The collector's call had been very opportune, though it was
embarrassing.
"This--this," said Mr. DeVere, haltingly--"this is very--er--very
unfortunate. Then we are behind with the rent, Ruth?"
"Yes, Dad. You know I told you----"
"Yes, I suppose so," he added, with a sigh. "I had forgotten. There
have been so many things----"
He was lost in thought for a moment.
"Do we owe much more, Ruth?" he asked.
"Quite some, Daddy. But don't worry. You are not well, and----"
"No, I am not well. I feel very poorly, but it is mainly mental, and
not physical--except for my throat. And even that does not really
hurt. It is only--only that I cannot speak."
His voice trailed off into a hoarse whisper, which the girls could
barely distinguish.
"I--I must find something to do," went on the stricken actor. "I'll
go out again this afternoon.
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