“You don’t mean to say that you never acted before?”
“Only at school exhibitions and such like.”
“Then you’re a born genius, and I am proud of you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Snodgrass.”
“And who is Mr. Wilkins—the gentleman you spoke of?”
“He is the author of the piece. He engaged me to act the newsboy’s part.”
“And why didn’t you let me know?”
“Because I didn’t know how I was coming out. I shouldn’t like to have had my friend see me fail.”
“There is no such word as fail—for you, Ben.”
“I hope so.”