Mr. DeVere fairly staggered into the room. His face was white as he sank into a chair Alice pushed forward.
"Daddy!" exclaimed the girls.
He shook his head mournfully.
"It—it's no use!" he said, and they could barely make out his words. "My voice failed completely. I—I had to give up the rehearsal," and he covered his face with his hands.
CHAPTER V
REPLACED
For a few moments the two girls said nothing. They simply stood there, looking at their father, who was bowed with grief. It was something new for him—a strange rôle, for usually he was so jolly and happy—going about reciting odd snatches from the plays in which he had taken part.
"Does—does it hurt you, Daddy?" asked Ruth softly, as she stepped closer to him, and put her hand on his shoulder.
He raised himself with an effort, and seemed to shake off the gloom that held him prisoner.