"Ah," said Jasher quickly, "how was that?"
"Well, don't you say anything," said Hart, glancing round, "as it would do me harm with the profession. Nobody will take much notice so long as it ain't talked about. It's only known in the theatre, and Calvert, who is a good-natured sort of chap, promised to hold his tongue."
"Oh," said Bocaros, meaningly, and looking up with eagerness, "he promised to hold his tongue, did he? About what?"
"My messing up my chance. You see Calvert didn't feel well one night, and I went on. I did act A1, and was scoring all round, when I got so excited that I fell ill. My heart ain't very strong," added the youth, "and that's why I can't take Turkish baths."
"Well, well," said Jasher, looking a very benevolent stout gentleman, and sipping his wine with relish, "what happened when you fell ill?"
"Why, they had to send for Calvert. Luckily he was at his lodgings."
"Also ill?" put in the professor.
"No. He said he was ill, but he wasn't. He came and took my place for the last act, and they said he never acted better in his life."
"About what time does the third act commence?"
"About ten."