All this was advertised as a benefit, under the auspices of the Groton Ladies' Benevolent Society, and the members of the society did all they could to arouse the citizens and make them promise to come out to the "show."
That night the Grand Theater, the use of which was donated free of charge by the manager, was packed, every seat being taken and not a few spectators being forced to stand.
Behind the scenes were gathered a delighted lot of actors and actresses, for their fortune far exceeded their greatest hopes.
"It's all on account of Cassie," said Frank. "Those ladies came and saw her. They are doing this for the poor child. There are some good hearts in this town."
"And money is said to be scarce out here!" exclaimed Basil Holt.
"It is scarce," declared Merry. "Without doubt half those people out there could not afford the price of seats, but the ladies knew how to touch their hearts and their sympathies, and they are here. We get the benefit."
"But where is old Dan?" questioned Dunton.
No one knew. The old actor had not been seen since he left the hotel the night before.
"If Sargent and Cates were here to see this!" exclaimed Lillian Bird. "It would make them sore. And all this comes in to us—every dollar of it! There is no dividend."
"Not with the manager of the house," smiled Frank. "There will be a dividend between us. All shall share alike."