[He turns away into a dark corner.
Wildf. (to himself, as he goes to the wing). Nice boy that; didn't think he'd care so much; must keep an eye on him. Flattery must be over now. I wish I could have stayed to see it out; it was going magnificently; but there were some rather risky scenes ahead. Still, I believe it's a success; and, if it is, I shall have done with all this for ever after to-night. I can go to Althea and tell her, without—— By Jove! wasn't it to-night that Old Toovey was to be in front? I wonder what he'll think of it. (He looks at himself in the mirror.) He'll have some difficulty in recognising me in this get up. Well, I shall know on Monday. (He goes on, and sings; then rushes back to the wing to change his costume, with the assistance of his dresser.) Yes, the coat, now, dresser, please. (To himself, as he paints some lines on his face.) I couldn't see anyone at all like old Toovey. Very odd! They must have sent him the box, I suppose. Well, it doesn't matter; if he didn't think it necessary to come, so much the better. (Aloud.) Wigpaste, please. Now the boards. All right—I'm ready. (To the Boy.) Now, youngster, look out for your cue.
[He goes on.
The Limelight Man (up in the flies—to himself). What's wrong with Mr. Wildfire? He as nearly broke down just now as——and I can't keep the limelight on him nohow to-night! He can't have been drinking—he ain't that sort. But he do look bad—it's as much as ever he can do to go through with it; somethink's given him a turn.
Wildfire (to himself, as he goes back to the wing, unsteadily). She's here—and, what's worse, she's recognised me! She must have, or she would never have looked like that. If I could only have told her first; but, to discover it like this,—she'll think I meant to—— (He pitches away his boards in a fury.) Well, I've done for myself—it's all over! (To his dresser.) A note, eh?
[He opens it, and reads the contents mechanically; Mr. Tadman and one or two other artistes come up with curiosity on seeing his expression.
Tadm. Why, Wildfire, old man, what's this? Play gone wrong? Never mind, dear boy, we can't have everything. But what's the report, eh?
Wildf. (impatiently). Oh, I don't know. What does it matter now? (He lets the note fall.) There, you can read it if you want to know.
[He walks away.
Tadm. (with complacency). Poor chap, he's hard hit! But I could have told him it wasn't to be expected that—— (He picks up the note, and reads it with a falling jaw.) Hullo! What's the meaning of this? It says the piece is a tremendous go—safe for a long run—had to raise the rag again and again. Why, he'll make his fortune over this alone; and yet, look at him! (Pointing to Wildfire, who has seated himself on the pile of lumber, in utter dejection.) And all those fools in front clapping and stamping for him to come on again. What more does the feller want, I wonder!