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didn't write it the way everybody seemed to be takin' it—and the way I'll have to admit I took it myself. She's told me the whole story of it a dozen times, I expect, tryin' to prove how you had to make those actors and actresses say what they did and behave the way they did; and I guess she's pretty well proved her case to me. Anyway, I believe you meant it the way she says you did. But see here——" He leaned forward again and set his large hand upon Laurence's knee. "Listen! You don't have to put on any more shows like that, do you?"

Ogle ruefully shook his head. "No. Not like that!"

Tinker seemed to be somewhat relieved. He tilted back in his iron chair, put his feet upon the railing, and contemplated his cigar. "I'm glad to hear it. I can take a night off myself and see a show like that; but I wouldn't exactly care to have anybody in my own family—especially my own daughter's——" He waved his hand, as Ogle tried to interrupt. "Wait a minute! I understand you didn't mean it that way; but there's too many people take it that way for anybody to want it in his own family. And another thing: Babe says the show's off now and won't ever be heard of again, so we agreed it'll be just as well if