"Really, Alice?" cried Ruth, clasping her hands in delight, for she dearly loved a romantic role.
"Really and truly—truly rural, I call it."
"How did you hear of it?"
"Oh, I overheard daddy and Mr. Pertell talking about it. Mr. Pertell asked daddy if he'd object to your taking a part like that."
"And what did dad say?"
"Oh, he agreed to it, as long as you weren't in danger. But I want something funny. I believe I'm to be a sort of 'cut-up' country maid, in some of the plays. I'm to upset the milk pails, tie a tin can to the calf's tail, hide under the sofa, when your country 'beaus' come to see you, and all that."
"Oh, Alice!"
"That's all right—I just love parts like that. None of the love business for me!"
"I should say not—you're entirely too young!" exclaimed Ruth, with sudden dignity.
"Pooh! You're not so old! Oh, there goes the supper bell. Come on! I'm starved!"
The entire theatrical troupe gathered about the table, and a merry party it was. That Mrs. Apgar was a good cook was one of the first matters voted on, and there was not a dissenting voice. It was well that there was plenty of
