This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
ETHEL CHURCHILL.
77

position in which he found her, would, probably, only consider it as matter for a coarse jest.

"How, in the name of all that is wonderful, do I find you here?" asked he, less from any curiosity, than feeling it a necessity to say something.

"Why, luck's all in this world," replied she. "A company of strolling players asked leave to play in our barn; I learnt more of the world in a week than I had in all my life before. At the week's end the barn was vacant, and my place also. The Romeo of the company told me that I had the finest eyes in the world. I had myself long suspected the fact; and, after thinking Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, I set off on the Monday to see what they would do for me here; and, I must say, they have done their duty. At present I have only a soubrette's part, with an apron and pockets, and a ballad; but, as I said before, luck's all in this world, and I have every requisite for being lucky. I have a handsome face, a good voice, I care for nothing and nobody; and