"Three days more—this is the final notice," and thrusting a paper into the nerveless hand of Mr. DeVere, the collector strode out.
CHAPTER IX
MR. DEVERE DECIDES
Mr. DeVere sank into a chair. Ruth looked distressed as her father glanced over the dispossess notice, for such it was. But on the face of Alice there was a triumphant smile. For she saw that this was the very thing needed to arouse her father to action. Despite the distastefulness of the work, she felt sure he would come finally to like acting before the camera.
The collector's call had been very opportune, though it was embarrassing.
"This—this," said Mr. DeVere, haltingly—"this is very—er—very unfortunate. Then we are behind with the rent, Ruth?"
"Yes, Dad. You know I told you——"
"Yes, I suppose so," he added, with a sigh. "I had forgotten. There have been so many things——"
He was lost in thought for a moment.