'Steady, my son, steady,' whispered old Mac warningly.
I controlled myself, without being aware what I had done to excite this remonstrance.
'When does she appear?' I asked in the same low tone.
'Next Monday week.'
'In her own name?'
'No; she has taken the name of Mathews. You will see the announcements outside the theatre. There's a good deal of curiosity excited about her already, for she plays an ambitious character; she commences at the top instead of at the bottom of the ladder. I should have liked her to begin a little lower down, or to have appeared in the provinces first. There's one great thing in her favour, though. She plays in a new piece, and can't be compared to other and more experienced actresses in the same character. There's somebody you know.'
He referred to Mr. Glover, whom I had seen before he had, and who, standing at the side wings, appeared to be on familiar terms with all the company; but I knew the lodestone which had drawn him there. When I first caught sight of him Jessie was engaged in a scene; presently she was free for a time, and then he approached her, and they talked together.
'Mac,' I said, in a whisper, 'I think you are a friend of mine.'
'I am proud to hear you say so, my son. I am your friend.'
'What does that mean?' And I pointed to Jessie and Mr. Glover.