Evening star., 1922-12-31

an engagement; and as soon as it
was known that this condition was
practically chronic, his value sank to
fractional part OF his needs The
same agent who had put him into the
Middlemass production was the man
who gave him the ultimate insult.
Il could use you-yes," said the
agent, gazing into space. There's q
piece by somebody or other--Lasky's
putting It on-there's~a good part In
1t for you. Sort Of high brow. Modern.
Nothing to buy-you could dress tho
part with what you've got on. But
it only pays fifty week. Strictly be-
tween you and me. I'd advise you to
take it."
Picard stood up. shaking. '1've been
on the stage for eight years.
Solid ivory" said the agent. with
out a smile. Want the part"
= "No"' said Picard. and went out.
convulsed with wrath, and utter deg
radiation.
It was half-past one on Saturday,
and all tho Rialto swarmed with
stage acquaintances. He didn't even
see them: indeed, as far as his OBJ
jectire mind was involved. he was
the only individual on earth. He had
no definite plan Of action: no purpose; /;
no desires: he was numbed by freez-
ing conviction. not brought to him
by any outside argument, but by the
force Of sheer experience. that the
Lord had never intended him to he q
great actor. The managers and the
agents all concurred. There was no
road open to him now. except the road
to the small towns; there was no
dramatic future left to him. except a
CALLING existence among the colorless
failures of his own kind. And he
knew moro about the stage. and about
tho art and science Of 1t. than any
man or woman he had ever met But
he was convinced-convinced-
vinced!
He awoke to ind himself lettering
before Miss Carpenters apartment
house: and as he paused. irresolute.
his friend Benham came down the
steps. Picard's face went crimson with
Sudme anu envy.
"stuartw said Benham. and took him
by the arm.
'Well?" There leaped to Picard's
brain an Inspiration. It was too late
to satisfy his dreams Of power and
glory behind the footlights. but 1t
wasn't too late to acknowledge his de-
fects, and to remind Benham Of his
ancient covenant. Benham had said
that Picard would have travelled fast
or than even Benham had done. Well,
Benham was in authority; let Ben
ham give him . foothold.
Stuart. do you remember the night
you went away7 When We gave you
. dinner? And you and had a word
together at the train?" asked Ben
ham.
II was Just thinking about that"
II said I'd give anything I had in
the whole world to help you succeed"
"Yes. you did. And said"
/, Benham's mouth was drawn. We'll.
I've done It. Stuart"
"Done what?"
D "Given up-everything." He was
breathing hard, but Picard had no
visual perceptions.
81 don't know what you're talking
about" he said. wearily.
"Then go upstairs" said Benham.
''Go up and find out had a chance
II had the best chance until you
came along. Stuart. And now I'm
out OF It Shes Just told me SO. She's
Just told me there's somebody else.
And that means you.' His grasp
made Picard finch. you don't de-
serve her, Stuart You don't appre-
ciate her-you don't half appreci-
ate her-and I do. always have.
That's what hurts the worst. II It
only could have been q man who ap-
preoiates what she is--what her brain
is-what her heart is-what her soul
is-what her judgment is-but
you! With your damned stubborn
old fashioned ideas about womsn!"
He tried to control himself. and fall
cd. "Go on upstairs. you lucky fool"
sssA BsnAan, Win dimeuity. "and