"How does she play?"
"Pretty well, but she has something of the Bowery style; that is, she rather overdoes her part. I have tried to tone her down."
"Does she look the part?"
"Well, no. I am sorry to say it, but she is rather short and fat. She is German, as you may guess from her name. Still I think she will do, if she will be guided by me. You see we can't afford to be too particular about a Pauline, for it is harder to get actresses than actors."
"Do you feel at all nervous about your first appearance in a star part?"
"Oh, no, I never was troubled with stage fright. I have considerable confidence in myself."
This was quite true. Had Leslie been requested to appear as Hamlet, he would have had no misgivings, but with sufficient time for preparation would have walked on the stage prepared to enact the rôle of the melancholy Dane.
"I hope you will win the popular favor, and get your name before the public."