"I may have made a mistake," he said doubtfully.
"I am glad you realize this possibility," said Bertram. "Did you witness the play this evening?"
"Yes, sir."
"Do you think your friend Jed——"
"He is not my friend."
"Well, do you think that Jed, whatever he is, could act like my friend Ralph?"
"No, I don't think he could," Percy admitted.
"Probably this Jed is a very ordinary boy?"
"I should say so. Ordinary is no name for it. He is stupid."
"Then you will see for yourself that it is not very likely that he should become an accomplished actor all at once. If it were you it might be different. You are evidently a young man of social position, while this Jed is a poor boy, and I presume without education."