At the close of the performance Orville introduced Bert to the different members of the company.
"Do you mean to say you have never acted before?" asked Mr. Pearson.
"This is my first appearance on any stage," said Bert with a smile.
"Then you have done yourself great credit. I was myself trained at Wallack's Theatre, but had been a year on the boards before I could acquit myself as well as you."
"Thank you. I have done better than I expected."
"You more than filled Hazleton's place."
"Has he been long with you?"
"A year."
Bert felt this was indeed praise, that on his first appearance he should have equaled a boy with a year's experience.
"Of course you will play with us the balance of the week?" said Pearson.