n the chorus knew there was always the chance of not being kept on for the run of the piece. He was the managerial autocrat of stageland and he

n editor employs in rejecting a suitable contribution, he told Alexan

with me?" she faltered

tly. You're a

he

't need you. I'm sor

dress when you spoke to us? I co

ed with some pap

and done with," he answer

Mr. De Freyne. It's very important that I shoul

ve her a sea

Do you think I surround myself with the belles of Houndsditch and the Lord knows where because I like it? The only kind of girl I've any use for is the one who, besides working in business hours, makes a show in sm

erself on Miss Mortimer she also did not attempt to argue the matter

hem the best market. I give them far better chances than they can get anywhere else. You and your friend are-accidents. You have either got to clear or-conform. In the case of y

he words

ft the theat

stay with her nearest relatives, the Anglo-Indian Colonel, his wife and daughters, but they lived in Devonshire. Once in Devonshire it was morally certain that she

living difficulties presented themselves. She could not do office work: she knew nothing of shorthand or typewriting. She might apply for the post of children's governess or companion, but would she be acceptable for either? There would be questions as to her previous experience.

go on as she had beg

what to do, where to go. The same old heart-rending round would begin again-Denton's, Black

not guess how many hundreds of men and women of the same profession as herself were f

she had elected to make a stand. There was ever a hint of irresolution behind her apparent firmness. Alexandra was fairly sure that if Maggy found a man who would gain her affection and treat her well she would be ready to be convinced that there was no harm in an unlegalized union. That she had not succumbed in the past was no argument that she would remain unassailable in the future. Alexandra was perhaps standing in her light. In one sense she was

tation. Something in the thought of Maggy surrendering twisted her heartstrings. It made her feel so dreadfully sorry. It was

andra recalled her happy, flushed face, the look of excitation in her eyes. Maggy had evidently liked the man, whoever he was. It was only three o'clock. She did not expect her ba

d made tea, she had taken off Alexandra's h

ched out her hand across the table.

ce," she said. "I say it whenever I

with the wor

sn't an ach

es will ha

n and the b

ep when the

stance bene

old yellow s

cows co

soft eyes-their heads moving from side to side, coming down the long lane just round