"Aw, go act barefooted," replied Zinsheimer, disgustedly.
"What? I barefoot?"
"Well, why not? You haven't got anything on Ruth and Isadora. If they can act barefooted, why not you?"
"Preposterous!" exploded Lawrence, seeing he was being made game of. "I tell you, I decline to act. It is the audience who suffers—not I."
Fortunately Weldon entered at this psychological moment with the package which had been delayed. The boots had been sent to the box-office instead of the stage entrance. Lawrence, calmed at once as if by magic, pounced upon it with a sigh of relief.
"My boots—at last," he cried. "It is all right, Miss Farnum. They have arrived. I will act to-night."
In the general laughter that ensued, came the sharp cry of the assistant stage manager calling "Places—first act." As Martha stepped toward the stage, half trembling with mingled nervousness and glad anticipation at the actual realization of her much cherished ambition, Weldon touched her on the arm.
"One moment, if you please, Miss Farnum," he said softly. "Believe me, I regret to trouble you, but something very important has arisen. Mr. Gordon wants to speak to you here."
Martha turned toward him in surprise. "Mr. Gordon?" she repeated. "How absurd! I can't see any one now."
"He's very insistent, Miss Farnum."