The old tragedian bowed his head again, and, feeling that she could say nothing to cheer him up, Cassie left him there.
Frank came in later, and had a talk with Burns. The old man acknowledged that he believed the play would be a success, but he bemoaned his fate to be forced to play a part so repulsive to him. Merry assured him that he would get over that in time, and succeeded in putting some spirit into the old fellow.
CHAPTER XIV.—FRANK’S NEW COMEDIAN.
The day came for the great dress rehearsal of “True Blue,” to which the theatrical people of Denver, the newspaper men, and a great number of prominent people had been invited.
Frank had determined on this course at great expense, but he believed he would be repaid for the outlay.
His chief object was to secure good newspaper notices and recommendations from the theater managers in the city.
It was to be an afternoon performance, so that it would not interfere with any of the regular theatrical attractions to play in town that night.
Early in the day Hodge advised Frank to keep a sharp watch on Burns.
“Don’t let him have any money, Merry. He fancies he will have to go through a terrible ordeal this afternoon, and he wishes to brace up for it. If he gets all he wants to drink, he will be loaded to the muzzle when the time comes to play.”
Frank feared this, and so, when Burns appealed to him for money, he refused the old man, telling him he could have some after the performance.