"Have you ever spoken in public?"
"Yes, at school examinations."
"Then I think you'll do. Here is your part."
He handed Jed a small manuscript book containing the lines of his rôle, with the cues.
"You see it isn't long. I may be able to give you a little rehearsal, as you appear only in the first and last acts."
The next half hour was devoted to teaching Jed his part. Bertram was delighted with the aptitude shown by his pupil.
"Have you never attended a theatre?" he asked, almost incredulously.
"Never, Mr. Bertram."
"Then I can only say that you have the dramatic instinct, luckily for us. If you are sure you won't be afraid before the footlights, you'll do."