“What?” cried Hodge, astounded. “You don’t mean to say you will keep him after what has happened?”
“I may.”
“Well, Frank, I’m beginning to believe the theatrical business has turned your head. You do not seem to possess the good sense you had once.”
“Is that so?” laughed Merry.
“Just so!” snapped Hodge.
“Oh, I don’t know! I rather think Burns will turn out all right.”
“After making such a fizzle to-day? Well, you’re daffy!”
“You do not seem to understand the man at all. I can appreciate his feelings.”
“I can’t!”
“I thought not. It must be rather hard for him, who has always considered himself a tragedian and a Shakespeare scholar, to burlesque the parts he has studied and loved.”