"If you change your mind," said Mr. Rushcroft, "and conclude to try a whirl at it, just let me know. I can find a place for you in my company at any time. If there isn't a vacancy, we can always write in an Irish comedy part."
"But I never wanted to be a comedian," said O'Dowd. "I've always wanted to play the young hero,—the fellow who gets the girl, you know." He bestowed a gallant smile upon Miss Thackeray.
"You may take my word for it, sir," said Mr. Rushcroft with feeling, "heroism, and nothing less, is necessary to the man who has to play opposite most of the harridans you, in your ignorance, speak of as girls." And he launched forth upon a round of soul-trying experiences with "leading-ladies."
The little book-agent came in while they were at table. He sat down in a corner of the dining-room and busied himself with his subscription lists while waiting for the meal to be served. He was still poring over them, frowning intently, when Barnes and the others left the room.
Barnes walked out beside Miss Thackeray.
"The tailor-made gown is an improvement," he said to her.
"Does that mean that I look more like a good chambermaid than I did before?"
"If you would consider it a compliment, yes," he replied, smiling. He was thinking that she was a very pretty girl, after all.
"The frock usually makes the woman," she said slowly, "but not always the lady."
He thought of that remark more than once during the course of an afternoon spent in the woods about Green Fancy.