The other stared.
"Don't you understand?" she exclaimed. "I mean, what company were you in last, and when did it finish?"
"Oh, I see," stammered Mamie. "I'm sorry to say I've everything in front of me! I've never had a part yet at all. I'm that awful thing—a novice."
"Crumbs!" said Miss Forbes.
"I guess you actresses look down on novices rather?"
"Well, the profession is full enough already, goodness knows! Still, I suppose we've all got a right to begin. I don't mind a novice who goes to the agents in the snow; it shows she means business anyhow. It's the amateurs who go to the managers in hansoms that I hate. But it's an awful struggle, my dear, take my word for it; you'd better stop at home if you can afford to. And Passmore will never be any use to you. Look at me! I've been going to him for four months; and I played Prince Arthur on tour with Sullivan when I was nine."
"I am looking at you," said Mamie, smiling, "and envying you till I'm ill. You say Passmore is no use: let me into a secret. What can I do to get an engagement?"
"Blest if I know, if you haven't got any friends to pull the strings! I'd like to know the secret myself. Well," she broke off, "perhaps we shall meet again. I must say 'good evening' here; there's my bus."
"Don't go yet!" begged Mamie. "Won't you come and have some tea first?"
Miss Forbes hesitated eloquently.