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344 Of all kinds of creative work, dramatic writing can be the most poignant or the most satisfactory. It is the keenest pleasure to see characters whom you have invented given life and personality if the actors are clever. The Jocelyns had the aid of practically a perfect cast. The sense of power that comes with the laughter or the tears of an audience aroused by your thoughts is a very real experience. Bambi “ate up her sensations,” as Strong had said. As the curtain descended after the first act the applause was instantaneous and long.

“They like it,” Bambi said with a sigh.

“Yes, thank God!” from Jarvis.

“You told me not to take this seriously, Jarvis,” she reminded him.

“Does anybody know who wrote this book?” the Professor inquired.

“Not yet. We are to know to-night. I wonder where she is?” Jarvis added to Bambi.

“I’ve thought that fat old one in the opposite box,” she said wickedly. “Why did you ask, father?”

“It is a diverting idea. The girl is like you, or maybe it is the similarity of the names that suggests it.”

“What do you think about the play, Ardelia?”