If there isn't a vacancy, we can always write in
an Irish comedy part."
"But I never wanted to be a comedian," said O'Dowd. "I've always
wanted to play the young hero,--the fellow who gets the girl, you
know." He bestowed a gallant smile upon Miss Thackeray.
"You may take my word for it, sir," said Mr. Rushcroft with feeling,
"heroism, and nothing less, is necessary to the man who has to play
opposite most of the harridans you, in your ignorance, speak of as
girls." And he launched forth upon a round of soul-trying experiences
with "leading-ladies."
The little book-agent came in while they were at table. He sat down in
a corner of the dining-room and busied himself with his subscription
lists while waiting for the meal to be served. He was still poring
over them, frowning intently, when Barnes and the others left the
room.
Barnes walked out beside Miss Thackeray.
"The tailor-made gown is an improvement," he said to her.
"Does that mean that I look more like a good chambermaid than I did
before?"
"If you would consider it a compliment, yes," he replied, smiling. He
was thinking that she was a very pretty girl, after all.
"The frock usually makes the woman," she said slowly, "but not always
the lady.
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