the room. If you'll reel it off that way, I'll bet you make a
hit. Now, what'll you bet? You do it."

The drummer usually allowed his ardent good-nature to get the
better of his speech. He really did think that Carrie had acted
this particular scene very well, and he wanted her to repeat it
in public. His enthusiasm was due to the mere spirit of the
occasion.

When the time came, he buoyed Carrie up most effectually. He
began to make her feel as if she had done very well. The old
melancholy of desire began to come back as he talked at her, and
by the time the situation rolled around she was running high in
feeling.

"I think I can do this."

"Sure you can. Now you go ahead and see."

On the stage, Mrs. Van Dam was making her cruel insinuation
against Laura.

Carrie listened, and caught the infection of something--she did
not know what. Her nostrils sniffed thinly.

"It means," the professional actor began, speaking as Ray, "that
society is a terrible avenger of insult. Have you ever heard of
the Siberian wolves? When one of the pack falls through weakness,
the others devour him. It is not an elegant comparison, but
there is something wolfish in society. Laura has mocked it with