In the first act Jed appeared in his predecessor's uniform. In the last he wore his own suit, this being quite as well adapted to the character as Ralph Clinton's street costume.
Mrs. Dixon and Percy occupied seats in the third row from the front. They always paid the highest prices, and secured the most eligible seats.
At the end of ten minutes Jed's cue was called and he appeared on the stage. Percy, who was watching the play with the greatest attention, started in amazement when he saw the boy actor.
"Mother," he whispered, "that boy is the perfect image of Jed, the poorhouse boy."
"Is he, indeed? Very singular, on my word!"
"And he has the same voice," continued Percy, still more excited.
"But I suppose it can't be he," said Mrs. Dixon inquiringly.
"No, I think not," answered Percy. "Jed doesn't know anything about acting, and this boy is perfectly at home on the stage."
This was indeed true. Jed was quite self-possessed. Moreover, he never hesitated for a word or stumbled, but was letter-perfect. His scene was with George Osprey, as member of a fashionable club, who had inquired into his history. "Yes," said Jed, repeating his part, "yes, Mr. Glendower, I am a poor boy, but those who look down upon me will one day find their mistake—they may find that the poor telegraph boy whom they once despised is able to look down upon them."