"I wish they had been there. I think they would have appreciated my triumph over the young butcher from Brooklyn."
"Perhaps they would," said Rupert, dubiously.
The next evening Leslie read the following notice in the Evening News:
"Last evening Bulwer's play, 'The Lady of Lyons' was produced by the Violet Dramatic Company at Amaranth Hall, on First Avenue. The performance was smooth and creditable to the young players. Mr. Leslie Waters as Claude Melnotte, was earnest and effective, while Miss Ida Strassburger made an acceptable Pauline. Towards the close of the play an excitable young German, who was probably under the influence of beer, left his seat, and, jumping on the stage, interrupted the performance. He appeared to be jealous of Melnotte's attentions to Pauline. Mr. Waters showed remarkable composure in a trying situation, and interpolated a rebuke to the officious intruder. The audience sustained him, and he and Miss Strassburger were called before the curtain with terrific applause. We shall doubtless hear from Mr. Waters again."
"That is very complimentary, Leslie," said Rupert. "I hope it won't unfit you for your duties as bell-boy."
"No, but it will make me impatient to close them for good and all, and embrace the glorious profession of Booth and Irving."
CHAPTER XXVII. AN INGENIOUS TRICK.
One morning a tailor's boy entered the Somerset Hotel with a bundle which he carried to the clerk.