“Tosaveme，Cad，Ican’t，“heanswered。”Ioughtto，too;I’ve，seentheplayenough。There’sagirlinitthatwasstolenwhen，shewasaninfant——waspickedoffthestreetorsomething——and，she’stheonethat’shoundedbythetwooldcriminalsIwas，tellingyouabout。”Hestoppedwithamouthfulofpiepoisedona，forkbeforehisface。”Shecomesveryneargettingdrowned——no，that’snotit。I’lltellyouwhatI’lldo，“heconcluded，hopelessly，“I’llgetyouthebook。Ican’tremembernowforthe，lifeofme。”
　　“Well，Idon’tknow，“saidCarrie，whenhehadconcluded，her，interestanddesiretoshinedramaticallystrugglingwithher，timidityforthemastery。”ImightgoifyouthoughtI’ddoall，right。”
　　“Ofcourse，you’lldo，“saidDrouet，who，inhiseffortsto，enthuseCarrie，hadinterestedhimself。”DoyouthinkI’dcome，homehereandurgeyoutodosomethingthatIdidn’tthinkyou，wouldmakeasuccessof？Youcanactallright。It’llbegood，foryou。”
　　“WhenmustIgo？”saidCarrie，reflectively。
　　“ThefirstrehearsalisFridaynight。I’llgetthepartforyou，to-night。”
　　“Allright，“saidCarrieresignedly，“I’lldoit，butifImakea，failurenowit’syourfault。”
　　“Youwon’tfail，“assuredDrouet。”Justactasyoudoaround，here。Benatural。You’reallright。I’veoftenthoughtyou’d，makeacorkinggoodactress。”
　　“Didyoureally？”askedCarrie。
　　“That’sright，“saidthedrummer。
　　Helittleknewashewentoutofthedoorthatnightwhata，secretflamehehadkindledinthebosomofthegirlheleft，behind。Carriewaspossessedofthatsympathetic，impressionable，naturewhich，everinthemostdevelopedform，hasbeentheglory，ofthedrama。Shewascreatedwiththatpassivityofsoulwhich，isalwaysthemirroroftheactiveworld。Shepossessedan，innatetasteforimitationandnosmallability。Evenwithout，practice，shecouldsometimesrestoredramaticsituationsshehad，witnessedbyre-creating，beforehermirror，theexpressionsof，thevariousfacestakingpartinthescene。Shelovedto，modulatehervoiceaftertheconventionalmannerofthe，distressedheroine，andrepeatsuchpatheticfragmentsas，appealedmosttohersympathies。Oflate，seeingtheairygrace，oftheingenueinseveralwell-constructedplays，shehadbeen，movedtosecretlyimitateit，andmanywerethelittlemovements，andexpressionsofthebodyinwhichsheindulgedfromtimeto，timeintheprivacyofherchamber。Onseveraloccasions，when，Drouethadcaughtheradmiringherself，asheimagined，inthe，mirror，shewasdoingnothingmorethanrecallingsomelittle，graceofthemouthortheeyeswhichshehadwitnessedin，another。Underhisairyaccusationshemistookthisforvanity，andacceptedtheblamewithafaintsenseoferror，though，asa，matteroffact，itwasnothingmorethanthefirstsubtle，outcroppingsofanartisticnature，endeavouringtore-createthe，perfectlikenessofsomephaseofbeautywhichappealedtoher。
　　Insuchfeebletendencies，beitknown，suchoutworkingofdesire，toreproducelife，liesthebasisofalldramaticart。
　　Now，whenCarrieheardDrouet’slaudatoryopinionofherdramatic，ability，herbodytingledwithsatisfaction。Liketheflame，whichweldstheloosenedparticlesintoasolidmass，hiswords，unitedthosefloatingwispsoffeelingwhichshehadfelt，but，neverbelieved，concerningherpossibleability，andmadethem，intoagaudyshredofhope。Likeallhumanbeings，shehada，touchofvanity。Shefeltthatshecoulddothingsifsheonly，hadachance。Howoftenhadshelookedatthewell-dressed，actressesonthestageandwonderedhowshewouldlook，how，delightfulshewouldfeelifonlyshewereintheirplace。The，glamour，thetensesituation，thefineclothes，theapplause，thesehadluredheruntilshefeltthatshe，too，couldact——that，she，too，couldcompelacknowledgmentofpower。Nowshewastold，thatshereallycould——thatlittlethingsshehaddoneaboutthe，househadmadeevenhimfeelherpower。Itwasadelightful，sensationwhileitlasted。
　　WhenDrouetwasgone，shesatdowninherrocking-chairbythe，windowtothinkaboutit。Asusual，imaginationexaggeratedthe，possibilitiesforher。Itwasasifhehadputfiftycentsin，herhandandshehadexercisedthethoughtsofathousand，dollars。Shesawherselfinascoreofpatheticsituationsin，whichsheassumedatremulousvoiceandsufferingmanner。Her，minddelighteditselfwithscenesofluxuryandrefinement，situationsinwhichshewasthecynosureofalleyes，thearbiter，ofallfates。Assherockedtoandfroshefeltthetensityof，woeinabandonment，themagnificenceofwrathafterdeception，thelanguourofsorrowafterdefeat。Thoughtsofallthe，charmingwomenshehadseeninplays——everyfancy，everyillusion，whichshehadconcerningthestage——nowcamebackasareturning，tideaftertheebb。Shebuiltupfeelingsandadetermination，whichtheoccasiondidnotwarrant。
　　Drouetdroppedinatthelodgewhenhewentdowntown，and，swashedaroundwithagreatAIR，asQuincelmethim。
　　“Whereisthatyoungladyyouweregoingtogetforus？”asked，thelatter。
　　“I’vegother，“saidDrouet。
　　“Haveyou？”saidQuincel，rathersurprisedbyhispromptness;
　　“that’sgood。What’sheraddress？”andhepulledouthis，notebookinordertobeabletosendherparttoher。
　　“Youwanttosendherherpart？”askedthedrummer。
　　“Yes。”
　　“Well，I’lltakeit。I’mgoingrightbyherhouseinthe，morning。
　　“Whatdidyousayheraddresswas？Weonlywantitincasewe，haveanyinformationtosendher。”
　　“Twenty-nineOgdenPlace。”
　　“Andhername？”
　　“CarrieMadenda，“saidthedrummer，firingatrandom。Thelodge，membersknewhimtobesingle。
　　“Thatsoundslikesomebodythatcanact，doesn’tit？”said，Quincel。
　　“Yes，itdoes。”
　　HetooktheparthometoCarrieandhandedittoherwiththe，mannerofonewhodoesafavour。
　　“Hesaysthat’sthebestpart。Doyouthinkyoucandoit？”
　　“Idon’tknowuntilIlookitover。YouknowI’mafraid，now，thatI’vesaidIwould。”
　　“Oh，goon。Whathaveyougottobeafraidof？It’sacheap，company。Therestofthemaren’tasgoodasyouare。”
　　“Well，I’llsee，“saidCarrie，pleasedtohavethepart，forall，hermisgivings。
　　Hesidledaround，dressingandfidgetingbeforehearrangedto，makehisnextremark。
　　“Theyweregettingreadytoprinttheprogrammes，“hesaid，“and，IgavethemthenameofCarrieMadenda。Wasthatallright？”
　　“Yes，Iguessso，“saidhiscompanion，lookingupathim。She，wasthinkingitwasslightlystrange。
　　“Ifyoudidn’tmakeahit，youknow，“hewenton。
　　“Oh，yes，“sheanswered，ratherpleasednowwithhiscaution。It，wascleverforDrouet。
　　“Ididn’twanttointroduceyouasmywife，becauseyou’dfeel，worsethenifyoudidn’tGO。Theyallknowmesowell。But，you’llGOallright。Anyhow，you’llprobablynevermeetanyof，themagain。”
　　“Oh，Idon’tcare，“saidCarriedesperately。Shewasdetermined，nowtohaveatryatthefascinatinggame。
　　Drouetbreathedasighofrelief。Hehadbeenafraidthathewas，abouttoprecipitateanotherconversationuponthemarriage，question。
　　ThepartofLaura，asCarriefoundoutwhenshebegantoexamine，it，wasoneofsufferingandtears。AsdelineatedbyMr。Daly，itwastruetothemostsacredtraditionsofmelodramaashe，founditwhenhebeganhiscareer。Thesorrowfuldemeanour，the，tremolomusic，thelong，explanatory，cumulativeaddresses，all，werethere。
　　“Poorfellow，“readCarrie，consultingthetextanddrawingher，voiceoutpathetically。”Martin，besureandgivehimaglassof，winebeforehegoes。”
　　Shewassurprisedatthebriefnessoftheentirepart，not，knowingthatshemustbeonthestagewhileothersweretalking，andnotonlybethere，butalsokeepherselfinharmonywiththe，dramaticmovementofthescenes。
　　“IthinkIcandothat，though，“sheconcluded。
　　WhenDrouetcamethenextnight，shewasverymuchsatisfiedwith，herday’sstudy。
　　“Well，howgoesit，Caddie？”hesaid。
　　“Allright，“shelaughed。”IthinkIhaveitmemorisednearly。”
　　“That’sgood，“hesaid。”Let’shearsomeofit。”
　　“Oh，Idon’tknowwhetherIcangetupandsayitoffhere，“she，saidbashfully。
　　“Well，Idon’tknowwhyyoushouldn’t。It’llbeeasierherethan，itwillthere。”
　　“Idon’tknowaboutthat，“sheanswered。
　　Eventuallyshetookofftheballroomepisodewithconsiderable，feeling，forgetting，asshegotdeeperinthescene，allabout，Drouet，andlettingherselfrisetoafinestateoffeeling。
　　“Good，“saidDrouet;“fine，outo’sight！You’reallright，Caddie，Itellyou。”
　　Hewasreallymovedbyherexcellentrepresentationandthe，generalappearanceofthepatheticlittlefigureasitswayedand，finallyfaintedtothefloor。Hehadboundeduptocatchher，andnowheldherlaughinginhisarms。
　　“Ain’tyouafraidyou’llhurtyourself？”heasked。
　　“Notabit。”
　　“Well，you’reawonder。Say，Ineverknewyoucoulddoanything，likethat。”
　　“Ineverdid，either，“saidCarriemerrily，herfaceflushedwith，delight。
　　“Well，youcanbetthatyou’reallright，“saidDrouet。”Youcan，takemywordforthat。Youwon’tfail。”
　　ChapterXVII
　　AGLIMPSETHROUGHTHEGATEWAY——HOPELIGHTENSTHEEYE
　　The，toCarrie，veryimportanttheatricalperformancewastotake，placeattheAveryonconditionswhichweretomakeitmore，noteworthythanwasatfirstanticipated。Thelittledramatic，studenthadwrittentoHurstwoodtheverymorningherpartwas，broughtherthatshewasgoingtotakepartinaplay。
　　“Ireallyam，“shewrote，feelingthathemighttakeitasa，jest;“Ihavemypartnow，honest，truly。”
　　Hurstwoodsmiledinanindulgentwayashereadthis。
　　“Iwonderwhatitisgoingtobe？Imustseethat。”
　　Heansweredatonce，makingapleasantreferencetoherability。
　　“Ihaven’ttheslightestdoubtyouwillmakeasuccess。Youmust，cometotheparkto-morrowmorningandtellmeallaboutit。”
　　Carriegladlycomplied，andrevealedallthedetailsofthe，undertakingassheunderstoodit。
　　“Well，“hesaid，“that’sfine。I’mgladtohearit。Ofcourse，youwilldowell，you’resoclever。”
　　Hehadtrulyneverseensomuchspiritinthegirlbefore。Her，tendencytodiscoveratouchofsadnesshadforthenonce，disappeared。Asshespokehereyeswerebright，hercheeksred。
　　Sheradiatedmuchofthepleasurewhichherundertakingsgave，her。Forallhermisgivings——andtheywereasplentifulasthe，momentsoftheday——shewasstillhappy。Shecouldnotrepress，herdelightindoingthislittlethingwhich，toanordinary，observer，hadnoimportanceatall。
　　Hurstwoodwascharmedbythedevelopmentofthefactthatthe，girlhadcapabilities。Thereisnothingsoinspiringinlifeas，thesightofalegitimateambition，nomatterhowincipient。It，givescolour，force，andbeautytothepossessor。
　　Carriewasnowlightenedbyatouchofthisdivineafflatus。She，drewtoherselfcommendationfromhertwoadmirerswhichshehad，notearned。Theiraffectionforhernaturallyheightenedtheir，perceptionofwhatshewastryingtodoandtheirapprovalof，whatshedid。Herinexperienceconservedherownexuberant，fancy，whichranriotwitheverystrawofopportunity，makingof，itagoldendiviningrodwherebythetreasureoflifewastobe，discovered。
　　“Let’ssee，“saidHurstwood，“Ioughttoknowsomeoftheboysin，thelodge。I’manElkmyself。”
　　“Oh，youmustn’tlethimknowItoldyou。”
　　“That’sso，“saidthemanager。
　　“I’dlikeforyoutobethere，ifyouwanttocome，butIdon’t，seehowyoucanunlessheasksyou。”
　　“I’llbethere，“saidHurstwoodaffectionately。”Icanfixitso，hewon’tknowyoutoldme。Youleaveittome。”
　　Thisinterestofthemanagerwasalargethinginitselfforthe，performance，forhisstandingamongtheElkswassomethingworth，talkingabout。Alreadyhewasthinkingofaboxwithsome，friends，andflowersforCarrie。Hewouldmakeitadress-suit，affairandgivethelittlegirlachance。
　　Withinadayortwo，DrouetdroppedintotheAdamsStreetresort，andhewasatoncespiedbyHurstwood。Itwasatfiveinthe，afternoonandtheplacewascrowdedwithmerchants，actors，managers，politicians，agoodlycompanyofrotund，rosyfigures，silk-hatted，starchy-bosomed，beringedandbescarfpinnedtothe，queen’staste。JohnL。Sullivan，thepugilist，wasatoneendof，theglitteringbar，surroundedbyacompanyofloudlydressed，sports，whowereholdingamostanimatedconversation。Drouet，cameacrossthefloorwithafestivestride，anewpairoftan，shoessqueakingaudiblyathisprogress。
　　“Well，sir，“saidHurstwood，“Iwaswonderingwhathadbecomeof，you。Ithoughtyouhadgoneoutoftownagain。”
　　Drouetlaughed。
　　“Ifyoudon’treportmoreregularlywe’llhavetocutyouoffthe，list。”
　　“Couldn’thelpit，“saidthedrummer，“I’vebeenbusy。”
　　Theystrolledovertowardthebaramidthenoisy，shifting，companyofnotables。Thedressymanagerwasshakenbythehand，threetimesinasmanyminutes。
　　“Ihearyourlodgeisgoingtogiveaperformance，“observed，Hurstwood，inthemostoffhandmanner。
　　“Yes，whotoldyou？”
　　“Noone，“saidHurstwood。”Theyjustsentmeacoupleof，tickets，whichIcanhavefortwodollars。Isitgoingtobeany，good？”
　　“Idon’tknow，“repliedthedrummer。”They’vebeentryingtoget，metogetsomewomantotakeapart。”
　　“Iwasn’tintendingtogo，“saidthemanagereasily。”I’ll，subscribe，ofcourse。Howarethingsoverthere？”
　　“Allright。They’regoingtofitthingsupoutoftheproceeds。”
　　“Well，“saidthemanager，“Ihopetheymakeasuccessofit。
　　Haveanother？”
　　Hedidnotintendtosayanymore。Now，ifheshouldappearon，thescenewithafewfriends，hecouldsaythathehadbeenurged，tocomealong。Drouethadadesiretowipeoutthepossibility，ofconfusion。
　　“Ithinkthegirlisgoingtotakeapartinit，“hesaid，abruptly，afterthinkingitover。
　　“Youdon’tsayso！Howdidthathappen？”
　　“Well，theywereshortandwantedmetofindthemsomeone。I
　　toldCarrie，andsheseemstowanttotry。”
　　“Goodforher，“saidthemanager。”It’llbearealniceaffair。
　　Dohergood，too。Hassheeverhadanyexperience？”
　　“Notabit。”
　　“Oh，well，itisn’tanythingveryserious。”
　　“She’sclever，though，“saidDrouet，castingoffanyimputation，againstCarrie’sability。”Shepicksupherpartquickenough。”
　　“Youdon’tsayso！”saidthemanager。
　　“Yes，sir;shesurprisedmetheothernight。ByGeorge，ifshe，didn’t。”
　　“Wemustgiveheranicelittlesend-off，“saidthemanager。
　　“I’lllookaftertheflowers。”
　　Drouetsmiledathisgood-nature。
　　“Aftertheshowyoumustcomewithmeandwe’llhavealittle，supper。”
　　“Ithinkshe’lldoallright，“saidDrouet。
　　“Iwanttoseeher。She’sgottodoallright。We’llmakeher，“
　　andthemanagergaveoneofhisquick，steelyhalf-smiles，which，wasacompoundofgood-natureandshrewdness。
　　Carrie，meanwhile，attendedthefirstrehearsal。Atthis，performanceMr。Quincelpresided，aidedbyMr。Millice，ayoung，manwhohadsomequalificationsofpastexperience，whichwere，notexactlyunderstoodbyanyone。Hewassoexperiencedandso，business-like，however，thathecameverynearbeingrude——
　　failingtoremember，ashedid，thattheindividualshewas，tryingtoinstructwerevolunteerplayersandnotsalaried，underlings。
　　“Now，MissMadenda，“hesaid，addressingCarrie，whostoodinone，partuncertainastowhatmovetomake，“youdon’twanttostand，likethat。Putexpressioninyourface。Remember，youare，troubledovertheintrusionofthestranger。Walkso，“andhe，struckoutacrosstheAverystageinalmostdroopingmanner。
　　Carriedidnotexactlyfancythesuggestion，butthenoveltyof，thesituation，thepresenceofstrangers，allmoreorless，nervous，andthedesiretodoanythingratherthanmakea，failure，madehertimid。Shewalkedinimitationofhermentor，asrequested，inwardlyfeelingthattherewassomethingstrangely，lacking。
　　“Now，Mrs。Morgan，“saidthedirectortooneyoungmarriedwoman，whowastotakethepartofPearl，“yousithere。Now，Mr。
　　Bamberger，youstandhere，so。Now，whatisityousay？”
　　“Explain，“saidMr。Bambergerfeebly。HehadthepartofRay，Laura’slover，thesocietyindividualwhowastowaverinhis，thoughtsofmarryingher，uponfindingthatshewasawaifanda，nobodybybirth。
　　“Howisthat——whatdoesyourtextsay？”
　　“Explain，“repeatedMr。Bamberger，lookingintentlyathispart。
　　“Yes，butitalsosays，“thedirectorremarked，“thatyouareto，lookshocked。Now，sayitagain，andseeifyoucan’tlook，shocked。”
　　“Explain！”demandedMr。Bambergervigorously。
　　“No，no，thatwon’tdo！Sayitthisway——EXPLAIN。”
　　“Explain，“saidMr。Bamberger，givingamodifiedimitation。
　　“That’sbetter。Nowgoon。”
　　“Onenight，“resumedMrs。Morgan，whoselinescamenext，“father，andmotherweregoingtotheopera。Whentheywerecrossing，Broadway，theusualcrowdofchildrenaccostedthemforalms——“
　　“Holdon，“saidthedirector，rushingforward，hisarmextended。
　　“Putmorefeelingintowhatyouaresaying。”
　　Mrs。Morganlookedathimasifshefearedapersonalassault。
　　Hereyelightenedwithresentment。
　　“Remember，Mrs。Morgan，“headded，ignoringthegleam，but，modifyinghismanner，“thatyou’redetailingapatheticstory。
　　Youarenowsupposedtobetellingsomethingthatisagriefto，you。Itrequiresfeeling，repression，thus：’Theusualcrowdof，childrenaccostedthemforalms。’“
　　“Allright，“saidMrs。Morgan。
　　“Now，goon。”
　　“Asmotherfeltinherpocketforsomechange，herfingers，touchedacoldandtremblinghandwhichhadclutchedherpurse。”
　　“Verygood，“interruptedthedirector，noddinghishead，significantly。
　　“Apickpocket！Well！”exclaimedMr。Bamberger，speakingthelines，thatherefelltohim。
　　“No，no，Mr。Bamberger，“saidthedirector，approaching，“not，thatway。’Apickpocket——well？’so。That’stheidea。”
　　“Don’tyouthink，“saidCarrieweakly，noticingthatithadnot，beenprovedyetwhetherthemembersofthecompanyknewtheir，lines，letalonethedetailsofexpression，“thatitwouldbe，betterifwejustwentthroughourlinesoncetoseeifweknow，them？Wemightpickupsomepoints。”
　　“Averygoodidea，MissMadenda，“saidMr。Quincel，whosatat，thesideofthestage，lookingserenelyonandvolunteering，opinionswhichthedirectordidnotheed。
　　“Allright，“saidthelatter，somewhatabashed，“itmightbewell，todoit。”Thenbrightening，withashowofauthority，“Suppose，werunrightthrough，puttinginasmuchexpressionaswecan。”
　　“Good，“saidMr。Quincel。
　　“Thishand，“resumedMrs。Morgan，glancingupatMr。Bamberger，anddownatherbook，asthelinesproceeded，“mymothergrasped，inherown，andsotightthatasmall，feeblevoiceutteredan，exclamationofpain。Motherlookeddown，andtherebesideher，wasalittleraggedgirl。”
　　“Verygood，“observedthedirector，nowhopelesslyidle。
　　“Thethief！”exclaimedMr。Bamberger。
　　“Louder，“putinthedirector，findingitalmostimpossibleto，keephishandsoff。
　　“Thethief！”roaredpoorBamberger。
　　“Yes，butathiefhardlysixyearsold，withafacelikean，angel’s。’Stop，’saidmymother。’Whatareyoudoing？’
　　“’Tryingtosteal，’saidthechild。
　　“’Don’tyouknowthatitiswickedtodoso？’askedmyfather。
　　“’No，’saidthegirl，’butitisdreadfultobehungry。’
　　“’Whotoldyoutosteal？’askedmymother。
　　“’She——there，’saidthechild，pointingtoasqualidwomanina，doorwayopposite，whofledsuddenlydownthestreet。’Thatis，oldJudas，’saidthegirl。”
　　Mrs。Morganreadthisratherflatly，andthedirectorwasin，despair。Hefidgetedaround，andthenwentovertoMr。Quincel。
　　“Whatdoyouthinkofthem？”heasked。
　　“Oh，Iguesswe’llbeabletowhipthemintoshape，“saidthe，latter，withanairofstrengthunderdifficulties。
　　“Idon’tknow，“saidthedirector。”ThatfellowBamberger，strikesmeasbeingaprettypoorshiftforalover。”
　　“He’sallwe’vegot，“saidQuincel，rollinguphiseyes。
　　“Harrisonwentbackonmeatthelastminute。Whoelsecanwe，get？”
　　“Idon’tknow，“saidthedirector。”I’mafraidhe’llneverpick，up。”
　　AtthismomentBambergerwasexclaiming，“Pearl，youarejoking，withme。”
　　“Lookatthatnow，“saidthedirector，whisperingbehindhis，hand。”MyLord！whatcanyoudowithamanwhodrawlsouta，sentencelikethat？”
　　“Dothebestyoucan，“saidQuincelconsolingly。
　　TherenditionranoninthiswiseuntilitcametowhereCarrie，asLaura，comesintotheroomtoexplaintoRay，who，after，hearingPearl’sstatementaboutherbirth，hadwrittentheletter，repudiatingher，which，however，hedidnotdeliver。Bamberger，wasjustconcludingthewordsofRay，“Imustgobeforeshe，returns。Herstep！Toolate，“andwascrammingtheletterinhis，pocket，whenshebegansweetlywith：
　　“Ray！”
　　“Miss——MissCourtland，“Bambergerfalteredweakly。
　　Carrielookedathimamomentandforgotallaboutthecompany，present。Shebegantofeelthepart，andsummonedanindifferent，smiletoherlips，turningasthelinesdirectedandgoingtoa，window，asifhewerenotpresent。Shediditwithagracewhich，wasfascinatingtolookupon。
　　“Whoisthatwoman？”askedthedirector，watchingCarrieinher，littlescenewithBamberger。
　　“MissMadenda，“saidQuincel。
　　“Iknowhername，“saidthedirector，“butwhatdoesshedo？”
　　“Idon’tknow，“saidQuincel。”She’safriendofoneofour，members。”
　　“Well，she’sgotmoregumptionthananyoneI’veseenhereso，far——seemstotakeaninterestinwhatshe’sdoing。”
　　“Pretty，too，isn’tshe？”saidQuincel。
　　Thedirectorstrolledawaywithoutanswering。
　　Inthesecondscene，whereshewassupposedtofacethecompany，intheball-room，shedidevenbetter，winningthesmileofthe，director，whovolunteered，becauseofherfascinationforhim，to，comeoverandspeakwithher。
　　“Wereyoueveronthestage？”heaskedinsinuatingly。
　　“No，“saidCarrie。
　　“Youdosowell，Ithoughtyoumighthavehadsomeexperience。”
　　Carrieonlysmiledconsciously。
　　HewalkedawaytolistentoBamberger，whowasfeeblyspouting，someardentline。
　　Mrs。MorgansawthedriftofthingsandgleamedatCarriewith，enviousandsnappingblackeyes。
　　“She’ssomecheapprofessional，“shegaveherselfthe，satisfactionofthinking，andscornedandhatedheraccordingly。
　　Therehearsalendedforoneday，andCarriewenthomefeeling，thatshehadacquittedherselfsatisfactorily。Thewordsofthe，directorwereringinginherears，andshelongedforan，opportunitytotellHurstwood。Shewantedhimtoknowjusthow，wellshewasdoing。Drouet，too，wasanobjectforher，confidences。Shecouldhardlywaituntilheshouldaskher，and，yetshedidnothavethevanitytobringitup。Thedrummer，however，hadanotherlineofthoughtto-night，andherlittle，experiencedidnotappealtohimasimportant。Heletthe，conversationdrop，saveforwhatshechosetorecitewithout，solicitation，andCarriewasnotgoodatthat。Hetookitfor，grantedthatshewasdoingverywellandhewasrelievedof，furtherworry。ConsequentlyhethrewCarrieintorepression，whichwasirritating。Shefelthisindifferencekeenlyand，longedtoseeHurstwood。Itwasasifhewerenowtheonly，friendshehadonearth。ThenextmorningDrouetwasinterested，again，butthedamagehadbeendone。
　　Shegotaprettyletterfromthemanager，sayingthatbythetime，shegotithewouldbewaitingforherinthepark。Whenshe，came，heshoneuponherasthemorningsun。
　　“Well，mydear，“heasked，“howdidyoucomeout？”
　　“Wellenough，“shesaid，stillsomewhatreducedafterDrouet。
　　“Now，tellmejustwhatyoudid。Wasitpleasant？”
　　Carrierelatedtheincidentsoftherehearsal，warmingupasshe，proceeded。
　　“Well，that’sdelightful，“saidHurstwood。”I’msoglad。Imust，getovertheretoseeyou。Whenisthenextrehearsal？”
　　“Tuesday，“saidCarrie，“buttheydon’tallowvisitors。”
　　“IimagineIcouldgetin，“saidHurstwoodsignificantly。
　　Shewascompletelyrestoredanddelightedbyhisconsideration，butshemadehimpromisenottocomearound。
　　“Now，youmustdoyourbesttopleaseme，“hesaidencouragingly。
　　“JustrememberthatIwantyoutosucceed。Wewillmakethe，performanceworthwhile。Youdothatnow。”
　　“I’lltry，“saidCarrie，brimmingwithaffectionandenthusiasm。
　　“That’sthegirl，“saidHurstwoodfondly。”Now，remember，“
　　shakinganaffectionatefingerather，“yourbest。”
　　“Iwill，“sheanswered，lookingback。
　　Thewholeearthwasbrimmingsunshinethatmorning。Shetripped，along，theclearskypouringliquidblueintohersoul。Oh，blessedarethechildrenofendeavourinthis，thattheytryand，arehopeful。Andblessedalsoaretheywho，knowing，smileand，approve。
　　ChapterXVIII
　　JUSTOVERTHEBORDER——AHAILANDFAREWELL
　　Bytheeveningofthe16ththesubtlehandofHurstwoodhadmade，itselfapparent。Hehadgiventhewordamonghisfriends——and，theyweremanyandinfluential——thatherewassomethingwhich，theyoughttoattend，and，asaconsequence，thesaleoftickets，byMr。Quincel，actingforthelodge，hadbeenlarge。Small，four-linenoteshadappearedinallofthedailynewspapers。
　　Thesehehadarrangedforbytheaidofoneofhisnewspaper，friendsonthe“Times，“Mr。HarryMcGarren，themanagingeditor。
　　“Say，Harry，“Hurstwoodsaidtohimoneevening，asthelatter，stoodatthebardrinkingbeforewendinghisbelatedway，homeward，“youcanhelptheboysout，Iguess。”
　　“Whatisit？”saidMcGarren，pleasedtobeconsultedbythe，opulentmanager。
　　“TheCusterLodgeisgettingupalittleentertainmentfortheir，owngood，andthey’dlikealittlenewspapernotice。Youknow，whatImean——asquibortwosayingthatit’sgoingtotake，place。”
　　“Certainly，“saidMcGarren，“Icanfixthatforyou，George。”
　　AtthesametimeHurstwoodkepthimselfwhollyinthebackground。
　　ThemembersofCusterLodgecouldscarcelyunderstandwhytheir，littleaffairwastakingsowell。Mr。HarryQuincelwaslooked，uponasquiteastarforthissortofwork。
　　Bythetimethe16thhadarrivedHurstwood’sfriendshadrallied，likeRomanstoasenator’scall。Awell-dressed，good-natured，flatteringly-inclinedaudiencewasassuredfromthemomenthe，thoughtofassistingCarrie。
　　Thatlittlestudenthadmasteredherparttoherown，satisfaction，muchasshetrembledforherfatewhensheshould，oncefacethegatheredthrong，behindtheglareofthe，footlights。Shetriedtoconsoleherselfwiththethoughtthata，scoreofotherpersons，menandwomen，wereequallytremulous，concerningtheoutcomeoftheirefforts，butshecouldnot，disassociatethegeneraldangerfromherownindividual，liability。Shefearedthatshewouldforgetherlines，thatshe，mightbeunabletomasterthefeelingwhichshenowfelt，concerningherownmovementsintheplay。Attimesshewished，thatshehadnevergoneintotheaffair;atothers，shetrembled，lestsheshouldbeparalysedwithfearandstandwhiteand，gasping，notknowingwhattosayandspoilingtheentire，performance。
　　Inthematterofthecompany，Mr。Bambergerhaddisappeared。
　　Thathopelessexamplehadfallenunderthelanceofthe，director’scriticism。Mrs。Morganwasstillpresent，butenvious，anddetermined，iffornothingmorethanspite，todoaswellas，Carrieatleast。Aloafingprofessionalhadbeencalledinto，assumetheroleofRay，and，whilehewasapoorstickofhis，kind，hewasnottroubledbyanyofthosequalmswhichattackthe，spiritofthosewhohaveneverfacedanaudience。Heswashed，aboutcautionedthoughhewastomaintainsilenceconcerninghis，pasttheatricalrelationshipsinsuchaself-confidentmanner，thathewasliketoconvinceeveryoneofhisidentitybymere，matterofcircumstantialevidence。
　　“Itissoeasy，“hesaidtoMrs。Morgan，intheusualaffected，stagevoice。”Anaudiencewouldbethelastthingtotroubleme。
　　It’sthespiritofthepart，youknow，thatisdifficult。”
　　Carriedislikedhisappearance，butshewastoomuchtheactress，nottoswallowhisqualitieswithcomplaisance，seeingthatshe，mustsufferhisfictitiouslovefortheevening。
　　Atsixshewasreadytogo。Theatricalparaphernaliahadbeen，providedoverandabovehercare。Shehadpractisedhermake-up，inthemorning，hadrehearsedandarrangedhermaterialforthe，eveningbyoneo’clock，andhadgonehometohaveafinallookat，herpart，waitingfortheeveningtocome。
　　Onthisoccasionthelodgesentacarriage。Drouetrodewithher，asfarasthedoor，andthenwentabouttheneighbouringstores，lookingforsomegoodcigars。Thelittleactressmarched，nervouslyintoherdressing-roomandbeganthatpainfully，anticipatedmatterofmake-upwhichwastotransformher，a，simplemaiden，toLaura，TheBelleofSociety。
　　Theflareofthegas-jets，theopentrunks，suggestiveoftravel，anddisplay，thescatteredcontentsofthemake-upbox——rouge，pearlpowder，whiting，burntcork，Indiaink，pencilsforthe，eye-lids，wigs，scissors，looking-glasses，drapery——inshort，all，thenamelessparaphernaliaofdisguise，havearemarkable，atmosphereoftheirown。Sinceherarrivalinthecitymany，thingshadinfluencedher，butalwaysinafar-removedmanner。
　　Thisnewatmospherewasmorefriendly。Itwaswhollyunlikethe，greatbrilliantmansionswhichwavedhercoldlyaway，permitting，heronlyaweanddistantwonder。Thistookherbythehand，kindly，asonewhosays，“Mydear，comein。”Itopenedforheras，ifforitsown。Shehadwonderedatthegreatnessofthenames，uponthebill-boards，themarvelofthelongnoticesinthe，papers，thebeautyofthedressesuponthestage，theatmosphere，ofcarriages，flowers，refinement。Herewasnoillusion。Here，wasanopendoortoseeallofthat。Shehadcomeuponitasone，whostumblesuponasecretpassageand，behold，shewasinthe，chamberofdiamondsanddelight！
　　Asshedressedwithaflutter，inherlittlestageroom，hearing，thevoicesoutside，seeingMr。Quincelhurryinghereandthere，notingMrs。MorganandMrs。Hoaglandattheirnervousworkof，preparation，seeingallthetwentymembersofthecastmoving，aboutandworryingoverwhattheresultwouldbe，shecouldnot，helpthinkingwhatadelightthiswouldbeifitwouldendure;
　　howperfectastate，ifshecouldonlydowellnow，andthensome，timegetaplaceasarealactress。Thethoughthadtakena，mightyholduponher。Ithummedinherearsasthemelodyofan，oldsong。
　　Outsideinthelittlelobbyanotherscenewasbeginenacted。
　　WithouttheinterestofHurstwood，thelittlehallwouldprobably，havebeencomfortablyfilled，forthemembersofthelodgewere，moderatelyinterestedinitswelfare。Hurstwood’sword，however，hadgonetherounds。Itwastobeafull-dressaffair。Thefour，boxeshadbeentaken。Dr。NormanMcNeillHaleandhiswifewere，tooccupyone。Thiswasquiteacard。C。R。Walker，dry-goods，merchantandpossessorofatleasttwohundredthousanddollars，hadtakenanother;awell-knowncoalmerchanthadbeeninducedto，takethethird，andHurstwoodandhisfriendsthefourth。Among，thelatterwasDrouet。Thepeoplewhowerenowpouringherewere，notcelebrities，norevenlocalnotabilities，inageneralsense。
　　Theywerethelightsofacertaincircle——thecircleofsmall，fortunesandsecretorderdistinctions。ThesegentlemenElks，knewthestandingofoneanother。Theyhadregardforthe，abilitywhichcouldamassasmallfortune，ownanicehome，keep，abaroucheorcarriage，perhaps，wearfineclothes，andmaintain，agoodmercantileposition。Naturally，Hurstwood，whowasa，littleabovetheorderofmindwhichacceptedthisstandardas，perfect，whohadshrewdnessandmuchassumptionofdignity，who，heldanimposingandauthoritativeposition，andcommanded，friendshipbyintuitivetactinhandlingpeople，wasquitea，figure。Hewasmoregenerallyknownthanmostothersinthesame，circle，andwaslookeduponassomeonewhosereservecovereda，mineofinfluenceandsolidfinancialprosperity。
　　To-nighthewasinhiselement。Hecamewithseveralfriends，directlyfromRector’sinacarriage。Inthelobbyhemet，Drouet，whowasjustreturningfromatripformorecigars。All，fivenowjoinedinananimatedconversationconcerningthe，companypresentandthegeneraldriftoflodgeaffairs。
　　“Who’shere？”saidHurstwood，passingintothetheatreproper，wherethelightswereturnedupandacompanyofgentlemenwere，laughingandtalkingintheopenspacebackoftheseats。
　　“Why，howdoyoudo，Mr。Hurstwood？”camefromthefirst，individualrecognised。
　　“Gladtoseeyou，“saidthelatter，graspinghishandlightly。
　　“Looksquiteanaffair，doesn’tit？”
　　“Yes，indeed，“saidthemanager。
　　“Custerseemstohavethebackingofitsmembers，“observedthe，friend。
　　“Soitshould，“saidtheknowingmanager。”I’mgladtoseeit。”
　　“Well，George，“saidanotherrotundcitizen，whoseavoirdupois，madenecessaryanalmostalarmingdisplayofstarchedshirt，bosom，“howgoesitwithyou？”
　　“Excellent，“saidthemanager。
　　“Whatbringsyouoverhere？You’renotamemberofCuster。”
　　“Good-nature，“returnedthemanager。”Liketoseetheboys，you，know。”
　　“Wifehere？”
　　“Shecouldn’tcometo-night。She’snotwell。”
　　“Sorrytohearit——nothingserious，Ihope。”
　　“No，justfeelingalittleill。”
　　“IrememberMrs。Hurstwoodwhenshewastravellingoncewithyou，overtoSt。Joe——“andherethenewcomerlaunchedoffina，trivialrecollection，whichwasterminatedbythearrivalofmore，friends。
　　“Why，George，howareyou？”saidanothergenialWestSide，politicianandlodgemember。”My，butI’mgladtoseeyouagain;
　　howarethings，anyhow？”
　　“Verywell;Iseeyougotthatnominationforalderman。”
　　“Yes，wewhippedthemoutovertherewithoutmuchtrouble。”
　　“WhatdoyousupposeHennessywilldonow？”
　　“Oh，he’llgobacktohisbrickbusiness。Hehasabrick-yard，youknow。”
　　“Ididn’tknowthat，“saidthemanager。”Feltprettysore，I
　　suppose，overhisdefeat。”
　　“Perhaps，“saidtheother，winkingshrewdly。
　　Someofthemorefavouredofhisfriendswhomhehadinvited，begantorollupincarriagesnow。Theycameshufflinginwitha，greatshowoffineryandmuchevidentfeelingofcontentand，importance。
　　“Hereweare，“saidHurstwood，turningtoonefromagroupwith，whomhewastalking。
　　“That’sright，“returnedthenewcomer，agentlemanofabout，forty-five。
　　“Andsay，“hewhispered，jovially，pullingHurstwoodoverbythe，shouldersothathemightwhisperinhisear，“ifthisisn’ta，goodshow，I’llpunchyourhead。”
　　“Yououghttopayforseeingyouroldfriends。Bothertheshow！”
　　Toanotherwhoinquired，“Isitsomethingreallygood？”the，managerreplied：
　　“Idon’tknow。Idon’tsupposeso。”Then，liftinghishand，graciously，“Forthelodge。”
　　“Lotsofboysout，eh？”
　　“Yes，lookupShanahan。Hewasjustaskingforyouamoment，ago。”
　　Itwasthusthatthelittletheatreresoundedtoababbleof，successfulvoices，thecreakoffineclothes，thecommonplaceof，good-nature，andalllargelybecauseofthisman’sbidding。Look，athimanytimewithinthehalfhourbeforethecurtainwasup，hewasamemberofaneminentgroup——aroundedcompanyoffiveor，morewhosestoutfigures，largewhitebosoms，andshiningpins，bespokethecharacteroftheirsuccess。Thegentlemenwho，broughttheirwivescalledhimouttoshakehands。Seats，clicked，ushersbowedwhilehelookedblandlyon。Hewas，evidentlyalightamongthem，reflectinginhispersonalitythe，ambitionsofthosewhogreetedhim。Hewasacknowledged，fawned，upon，inawaylionised。Throughitallonecouldseethe，standingoftheman。Itwasgreatnessinaway，smallasitwas。
　　ChapterXIX
　　ANHOURINELFLAND——ACLAMOURHALFHEARD
　　Atlastthecurtainwasreadytogoup。Allthedetailsofthe，make-uphadbeencompleted，andthecompanysettleddownasthe，leaderofthesmall，hiredorchestratappedsignificantlyupon，hismusicrackwithhisbatonandbeganthesoftcurtain-raising，strain。Hurstwoodceasedtalking，andwentwithDrouetandhis，friendSagarMorrisonaroundtothebox。
　　“Now，we’llseehowthelittlegirldoes，“hesaidtoDrouet，in，atonewhichnooneelsecouldhear。
　　Onthestage，sixofthecharactershadalreadyappearedinthe，openingparlourscene。DrouetandHurstwoodsawataglancethat，Carriewasnotamongthem，andwentontalkinginawhisper。
　　Mrs。Morgan，Mrs。Hoagland，andtheactorwhohadtaken，Bamberger’spartwererepresentingtheprincipalrolesinthis，scene。Theprofessional，whosenamewasPatton，hadlittleto，recommendhimoutsideofhisassurance，butthisatthepresent，momentwasmostpalpablyneeded。Mrs。Morgan，asPearl，was，stiffwithfright。Mrs。Hoaglandwashuskyinthethroat。The，wholecompanywassoweak-kneedthatthelinesweremerely，spoken，andnothingmore。Ittookallthehopeanduncritical，good-natureoftheaudiencetokeepfrommanifestingpitybythat，unrestwhichistheagonyoffailure。
　　Hurstwoodwasperfectlyindifferent。Hetookitforgrantedthat，itwouldbeworthless。Allhecaredforwastohaveitendurable，enoughtoallowforpretensionandcongratulationafterward。
　　Afterthefirstrushoffright，however，theplayersgotoverthe，dangerofcollapse。Theyrambledweaklyforward，losingnearly，alltheexpressionwhichwasintended，andmakingthethingdull，intheextreme，whenCarriecamein。
　　Oneglanceather，andbothHurstwoodandDrouetsawplainlythat，shealsowasweak-kneed。Shecamefaintlyacrossthestage，saying：
　　“Andyou，sir;wehavebeenlookingforyousinceeighto’clock，“
　　butwithsolittlecolourandinsuchafeeblevoicethatitwas，positivelypainful。
　　“She’sfrightened，“whisperedDrouettoHurstwood。
　　Themanagermadenoanswer。
　　Shehadalinepresentlywhichwassupposedtobefunny。
　　“Well，that’sasmuchastosaythatI’masortoflifepill。”
　　Itcameoutsoflat，however，thatitwasadeathlything。
　　Drouetfidgeted。Hurstwoodmovedhistoetheleastbit。
　　TherewasanotherplaceinwhichLaurawastoriseand，witha，senseofimpendingdisaster，say，sadly：
　　“Iwishyouhadn’tsaidthat，Pearl。Youknowtheoldproverb，’Callamaidbyamarriedname。’“
　　Thelackoffeelinginthethingwasridiculous。Carriedidnot，getitatall。Sheseemedtobetalkinginhersleep。Itlooked，asifshewerecertaintobeawretchedfailure。Shewasmore，hopelessthanMrs。Morgan，whohadrecoveredsomewhat，andwas，nowsayingherlinesclearlyatleast。Drouetlookedawayfrom，thestageattheaudience。Thelatterheldoutsilently，hoping，forageneralchange，ofcourse。Hurstwoodfixedhiseyeon，Carrie，asiftohypnotiseherintodoingbetter。Hewaspouring，determinationofhisowninherdirection。Hefeltsorryfor，her。
　　Inafewmoreminutesitfelltohertoreadthelettersentin，bythestrangevillain。Theaudiencehadbeenslightlydiverted，byaconversationbetweentheprofessionalactorandacharacter，calledSnorky，impersonatedbyashortlittleAmerican，who，reallydevelopedsomehumourasahalf-crazed，one-armedsoldier，turnedmessengerforaliving。Hebawledhislinesoutwithsuch，defiancethat，whiletheyreallydidnotpartakeofthehumour，intended，theywerefunny。Nowhewasoff，however，anditwas，backtopathos，withCarrieasthechieffigure。Shedidnot，recover。Shewanderedthroughthewholescenebetweenherself，andtheintrudingvillain，strainingthepatienceofthe，audience，andfinallyexiting，muchtotheirrelief。
　　“She’stoonervous，“saidDrouet，feelinginthemildnessofthe，remarkthathewaslyingforonce。
　　“Bettergobackandsayawordtoher。”
　　Drouetwasgladtodoanythingforrelief。Hefairlyhustled，aroundtothesideentrance，andwasletinbythefriendlydoor-
　　keeper。Carriewasstandinginthewings，weaklywaitingher，nextcue，allthesnapandnervegoneoutofher。
　　“Say，Cad，“hesaid，lookingather，“youmustn’tbenervous。
　　Wakeup。Thoseguysouttheredon’tamounttoanything。What，areyouafraidof？”
　　“Idon’tknow，“saidCarrie。”Ijustdon’tseemtobeabletodo，it。”
　　Shewasgratefulforthedrummer’spresence，though。Shehad，foundthecompanysonervousthatherownstrengthhadgone。
　　“Comeon，“saidDrouet。”Braceup。Whatareyouafraidof？Go，onouttherenow，anddothetrick。Whatdoyoucare？”
　　Carrierevivedalittleunderthedrummer’selectrical，nervous，condition。
　　“DidIdosoverybad？”
　　“Notabit。Allyouneedisalittlemoreginger。Doitasyou，showedme。Getthattossofyourheadyouhadtheothernight。”
　　Carrierememberedhertriumphintheroom。Shetriedtothink，shecouldtoit。
　　’What’snext？”hesaid，lookingatherpart，whichshehadbeen，studying。
　　“Why，thescenebetweenRayandmewhenIrefusehim。”
　　“Well，nowyoudothatlively，“saidthedrummer。”Putinsnap，that’sthething。Actasifyoudidn’tcare。”
　　“Yourturnnext，MissMadenda，“saidtheprompter。
　　“Oh，dear，“saidCarrie。
　　“Well，you’reachumpforbeingafraid，“saidDrouet。”Comeon，now，braceup。I’llwatchyoufromrighthere。”
　　“Willyou？”saidCarrie。
　　“Yes，nowgoon。Don’tbeafraid。”
　　Thepromptersignalledher。
　　Shestartedout，weakasever，butsuddenlyhernervepartially，returned。ShethoughtofDrouetlooking。
　　“Ray，“shesaid，gently，usingatoneofvoicemuchmorecalm，thanwhenshehadlastappeared。Itwasthescenewhichhad，pleasedthedirectorattherehearsal。
　　“She’seasier，“thoughtHurstwoodtohimself。
　　Shedidnotdothepartasshehadatrehearsal，butshewas，better。Theaudiencewasatleastnotirritated。The，improvementoftheworkoftheentirecompanytookawaydirect，observationfromher。Theyweremakingveryfairprogress，and，nowitlookedasiftheplaywouldbepassable，intheless，tryingpartsatleast。
　　Carriecameoffwarmandnervous。
　　“Well，“shesaid，lookingathim，“wasitanybetter？”
　　“Well，Ishouldsayso。That’stheway。Putlifeintoit。You，didthataboutathousandpercent。betterthanyoudidthe，otherscene。Nowgoonandfireup。Youcandoit。Knock’em。”
　　“Wasitreallybetter？”
　　“Better，Ishouldsayso。Whatcomesnext？”
　　“Thatballroomscene。”
　　“Well，youcandothatallright，“hesaid。
　　“Idon’tknow，“answeredCarrie。
　　“Why，woman，“heexclaimed，“youdiditforme！Nowyougoout，thereanddoit。It’llbefunforyou。Justdoasyoudidin，theroom。Ifyou’llreelitoffthatway，I’llbetyoumakea，hit。Now，what’llyoubet？Youdoit。”
　　Thedrummerusuallyallowedhisardentgood-naturetogetthe，betterofhisspeech。HereallydidthinkthatCarriehadacted，thisparticularsceneverywell，andhewantedhertorepeatit，inpublic。Hisenthusiasmwasduetothemerespiritofthe，occasion。
　　Whenthetimecame，hebuoyedCarrieupmosteffectually。He，begantomakeherfeelasifshehaddoneverywell。Theold，melancholyofdesirebegantocomebackashetalkedather，and，bythetimethesituationrolledaroundshewasrunninghighin，feeling。
　　“IthinkIcandothis。”
　　“Sureyoucan。Nowyougoaheadandsee。”
　　Onthestage，Mrs。VanDamwasmakinghercruelinsinuation，againstLaura。
　　Carrielistened，andcaughttheinfectionofsomething——shedid，notknowwhat。Hernostrilssniffedthinly。
　　“Itmeans，“theprofessionalactorbegan，speakingasRay，“that，societyisaterribleavengerofinsult。Haveyoueverheardof，theSiberianwolves？Whenoneofthepackfallsthroughweakness，theothersdevourhim。Itisnotanelegantcomparison，but，thereissomethingwolfishinsociety。Laurahasmockeditwith，apretence，andsociety，whichismadeupofpretence，will，bitterlyresentthemockery。”
　　AtthesoundofherstagenameCarriestarted。Shebegantofeel，thebitternessofthesituation。Thefeelingsoftheoutcast，descendeduponher。Shehungatthewing’sedge，wraptinher，ownmountingthoughts。Shehardlyheardanythingmore，saveher，ownrumblingblood。
　　“Come，girls，“saidMrs。VanDam，solemnly，“letuslookafter，ourthings。Theyarenolongersafewhensuchanaccomplished，thiefenters。”
　　“Cue，“saidtheprompter，closetoherside，butshedidnot，hear。Alreadyshewasmovingforwardwithasteadygrace，born，ofinspiration。Shedawnedupontheaudience，handsomeand，proud，shifting，withthenecessityofthesituation，toacold，white，helplessobject，asthesocialpackmovedawayfromher，scornfully。
　　Hurstwoodblinkedhiseyesandcaughttheinfection。The，radiatingwavesoffeelingandsinceritywerealreadybreaking，againstthefarthestwallsofthechamber。Themagicofpassion，whichwillyetdissolvetheworld，washereatwork。
　　Therewasadrawing，too，ofattention，arivetingoffeeling，heretoforewandering。
　　“Ray！Ray！Whydoyounotcomebacktoher？”wasthecryof，Pearl。
　　EveryeyewasfixedonCarrie，stillproudandscornful。They，movedasshemoved。Theireyeswerewithhereyes。
　　Mrs。Morgan，asPearl，approachedher。
　　“Letusgohome，“shesaid。
　　“No，“answeredCarrie，hervoiceassumingforthefirsttimea，penetratingqualitywhichithadneverknown。”Staywithhim！”
　　Shepointedanalmostaccusinghandtowardherlover。Then，with，apathoswhichstruckhomebecauseofitsuttersimplicity，“He，shallnotsufferlong。”
　　Hurstwoodrealisedthathewasseeingsomethingextraordinarily，good。Itwasheightenedforhimbytheapplauseoftheaudience，asthecurtaindescendedandthefactthatitwasCarrie。He，thoughtnowthatshewasbeautiful。Shehaddonesomethingwhich，wasabovehissphere。Hefeltakeendelightinrealisingthat，shewashis。
　　“Fine，“hesaid，andthen，seizedbyasuddenimpulse，aroseand，wentabouttothestagedoor。
　　WhenhecameinuponCarrieshewasstillwithDrouet。His，feelingsforherweremostexuberant。Hewasalmostsweptaway，bythestrengthandfeelingsheexhibited。Hisdesirewasto，pourforthhispraisewiththeunboundedfeelingsofalover，but，herewasDrouet，whoseaffectionwasalsorapidlyreviving。The，latterwasmorefascinated，ifanything，thanHurstwood。At，least，inthenatureofthings，ittookamoreruddyform。
　　“Well，well，“saidDrouet，“youdidoutofsight。Thatwas，simplygreat。Iknewyoucoulddoit。Oh，butyou’realittle，daisy！”
　　Carrie’seyesflamedwiththelightofachievement。
　　“DidIdoallright？”
　　“Didyou？Well，Iguess。Didn’tyouheartheapplause？”
　　Therewassomefaintsoundofclappingyet。
　　“IthoughtIgotitsomethinglike——Ifeltit。”
　　JustthenHurstwoodcamein。Instinctivelyhefeltthechangein，Drouet。HesawthatthedrummerwasneartoCarrie，andjealousy，leapedalightinhisbosom。Inaflashofthought，hereproached，himselfforhavingsenthimback。Also，hehatedhimasan，intruder。Hecouldscarcelypullhimselfdowntothelevelwhere，hewouldhavetocongratulateCarrieasafriend。Nevertheless，themanmasteredhimself，anditwasatriumph。Healmostjerked，theoldsubtlelighttohiseyes。
　　“Ithought，“hesaid，lookingatCarrie，“Iwouldcomearoundand，tellyouhowwellyoudid，Mrs。Drouet。Itwasdelightful。”
　　Carrietookthecue，andreplied：
　　“Oh，thankyou。”
　　“Iwasjusttellingher，“putinDrouet，nowdelightedwithhis，possession，“thatIthoughtshedidfine。”
　　“Indeedyoudid，“saidHurstwood，turninguponCarrieeyesin，whichshereadmorethanthewords。
　　Carrielaughedluxuriantly。
　　“Ifyoudoaswellintherestoftheplay，youwillmakeusall，thinkyouareabornactress。”
　　Carriesmiledagain。ShefelttheacutenessofHurstwood’s，position，andwisheddeeplythatshecouldbealonewithhim，but，shedidnotunderstandthechangeinDrouet。Hurstwoodfound，thathecouldnottalk，repressedashewas，andgrudgingDrouet，everymomentofhispresence，hebowedhimselfoutwiththe，eleganceofaFaust。Outsidehesethisteethwithenvy。
　　“Damnit！”hesaid，“ishealwaysgoingtobeintheway？”Hewas，moodywhenhegotbacktothebox，andcouldnottalkfor，thinkingofhiswretchedsituation。
　　Asthecurtainforthenextactarose，Drouetcameback。Hewas，verymuchenlivenedintemperandinclinedtowhisper，but，Hurstwoodpretendedinterest。Hefixedhiseyesonthestage，althoughCarriewasnotthere，ashortbitofmelodramaticcomedy，precedingherentrance。Hedidnotseewhatwasgoingon，however。Hewasthinkinghisownthoughts，andtheywere，wretched。
　　Theprogressoftheplaydidnotimprovemattersforhim。
　　Carrie，fromnowon，waseasilythecentreofinterest。The，audience，whichhadbeeninclinedtofeelthatnothingcouldbe，goodafterthefirstgloomyimpression，nowwenttotheother，extremeandsawpowerwhereitwasnot。Thegeneralfeeling，reactedonCarrie。Shepresentedherpartwithsomefelicity，thoughnothingliketheintensitywhichhadarousedthefeeling，attheendofthelongfirstact。
　　BothHurstwoodandDrouetviewedherprettyfigurewithrising，feelings。Thefactthatsuchabilityshouldrevealitselfin，her，thattheyshouldseeitsetforthundersucheffective，circumstances，framedalmostinmassygoldandshoneuponbythe，appropriatelightsofsentimentandpersonality，heightenedher，charmforthem。ShewasmorethantheoldCarrietoDrouet。He，longedtobeathomewithheruntilhecouldtellher。He，awaitedimpatientlytheend，whentheyshouldgohomealone。
　　Hurstwood，onthecontrary，sawinthestrengthofhernew，attractivenesshismiserablepredicament。Hecouldhavecursed，themanbesidehim。BytheLord，hecouldnotevenapplaud，feelinglyashewould。Foroncehemustsimulatewhenitlefta，tasteinhismouth。
　　ItwasinthelastactthatCarrie’sfascinationforherlovers，assumeditsmosteffectivecharacter。
　　Hurstwoodlistenedtoitsprogress，wonderingwhenCarriewould，comeon。Hehadnotlongtowait。Theauthorhadusedthe，artificeofsendingallthemerrycompanyforadrive，andnow，Carriecameinalone。ItwasthefirsttimethatHurstwoodhad，hadachancetoseeherfacingtheaudiencequitealone，for，nowhereelsehadshebeenwithoutafoilofsomesort。He，suddenlyfelt，assheentered，thatheroldstrength——thepower，thathadgraspedhimattheendofthefirstact——hadcomeback。
　　Sheseemedtobegainingfeeling，nowthattheplaywasdrawing，toacloseandtheopportunityforgreatactionwaspassing。
　　“PoorPearl，“shesaid，speakingwithnaturalpathos。”Itisa，sadthingtowantforhappiness，butitisaterriblethingto，seeanothergropingaboutblindlyforit，whenitisalmost，withinthegrasp。”
　　Shewasgazingnowsadlyoutupontheopensea，herarmresting，listlesslyuponthepolisheddoor-post。