Part 5 (2/2)
”But if the players don't suit--” expostulated Weldon.
”Send them back to New York and get another lot.”
”But that will be very expensive.”
”What of that?” inquired Mrs. Dainton, languidly. ”It's not my money.”
Weldon hesitated and then bowed.
”Just as you say, Madame,” he said weakly. ”I will wire the New York management.” And scarcely able to conceal his indignation at this latest whim, Weldon withdrew to telegraph their New York backers the full details of her latest eccentricity.
Martha Farnum, still holding the magazine she had recovered, hesitated.
Then, struck by a sudden thought, she came forward timidly to the famous actress.
”May I--may I speak to you just for a moment?” she asked nervously.
Mrs. Dainton turned in surprise, looked her over carefully from head to foot, and asked carelessly: ”Who are you?”
”My name is Martha Farnum, and--”
”Well?”
”I heard you just now--”
”It isn't a nice thing to listen.”
”But I couldn't help it--”
”You mean I spoke so loudly?”
”No--but you spoke so distinctly--”
Mrs. Dainton smiled with pleasure. ”The critics always said my voice carried well, and that my enunciation was perfect,” she said, flattered.
”Well, what can I do for you, my dear?”
Martha hesitated and stammered. ”I--I am anxious to go on the stage,”
she faltered.
”What can you do?” inquired Mrs. Dainton.
”I cannot tell until I have tried,” confessed Martha.
”You mean you have had no experience? I'm sorry, but I've made it a rule never to give any young girl her first engagement on the stage.”
”But why?” gasped Martha.
”Because I don't approve of their going on the stage.”
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