“This business of playing so many different parts is too much for you.”
“It’s work, but I like it.”
“Better than playing ‘Topsy’ regularly?”
“Sure. I was dead sick of that old part. I’m glad ‘Uncle Tom’ is only played once in a while, but pop is heartbroken.”
“He’d rather stick to the old piece?”
“Lord, yes! He’s been playin’ parts in it for the last twenty years, and he knows every line and every bit of business. He thinks the country is degenerating when people get stuffed with ‘Uncle Tom’ and don’t want no more of him. He wouldn’t stay with the company if it wasn’t for me, and he’s liable to break loose any time and get on a reg’l’r tear. I’m watching him all the time and hold him down. Pop is all right when he lets red-eye alone, but he’s worse’n an Indian when he gets on a tear.”
“I hope you will be able to keep him straight, Cassie; but this watching is wearing on you. You don’t get rest enough, and you show it.”
She shot him a quick look.
“It ain’t that so much,” she muttered. “It’s something else the most. You know what ails me.”
“Yes, I know,” admitted Frank. “Can’t you break away from the habit, Cassie?”