Nancy."

Wimpole looked serious and considered for a moment.

"Nancy," he said, "the girl who interferes--a very good part.
I have cast Miss Maddox for it in my mind, but, of course, if the
author insists--"

Marion, with her elbows on the table, clasped her hands
appealingly before her.

"Oh, Mr. Wimpole!" she cried, "you owe me that, at least."

Carroll leaned over and took both of Marion's hands in one of
his.

"It's all right," he said; "the author insists."

Wimpole waved his stick again as though it were the magic wand of
the good fairy.

"You shall have it," he said. "I recall your performance in 'The
New Boy' with pleasure. I take the play, and Miss Cavendish
shall be cast for Nancy. We shall begin rehearsals at once. I
hope you are a quick study."

"I'm letter-perfect now{,}" laughed Marion.

Wimpole turned at the door and nodded to them. They were both so
young, so eager, and so jubilant that he felt strangely old and