CHAPTER VII.
THE DEBUT.
Mr. Wattles sank into a convenient chair.
"Well," he said, with an air of stony resignation, "there's no use in fighting against fate. I give it up. We'll return the people their money and shut up the house."
"What's the matter?" asked Al.
"Why," replied Sparkley, "Miss Hollingsworth, who has been playing the part that Mrs. Anderson is billed for, has been here, and has had an interview with her successor, and got her so worked up that she absolutely refuses to appear."
"Why, I told the woman that she needn't come at all to-night!" cried Mr. Wattles.
"Well, she's here as large as life."
"Why did you let her in, Sparkley?"
"I couldn't very well refuse her admittance; she is a member of the company."