"It isn't to my credit, at any rate. I am ashamed of it myself."
"I don't know why you should be ashamed. You have left it, and are now earning your own living."
"I was, but I am out of work now, and I may find it hard to get another position."
"You can perhaps go back to the stage."
"If I can take my part in the 'Gold King' I shall be satisfied," said Jed hopefully. "When will the season commence?"
"September 7—three weeks from next Thursday."
At that moment one of the bell boys came to the telegraph office with a letter in his hand.
"I have a letter for you, Mr. Bertram," he said.
"Ha! This is from Mordaunt. Now we shall know."
He tore open the envelope hastily. His countenance fell, and he handed it in silence to Jed.