Page:Daskam--The imp and the angel.djvu/117

The Imp's Matinée she was half reproachful and half amused, as she often was.

"Perry Scott Stafford, how did you ever dare to do it?" she said.

Before he could answer, the Tall Young Man in white flannels spoke for him.

"Why, Mrs. Stafford, he is a public benefactor!" said this jolly young man. "It is entirely owing to the untiring zeal of the Imp, ladies and gentlemen," turning to the people generally, "that we have been enabled to enjoy this finely staged, beautifully interpreted melodrama. He shall have a vote of thanks. Three cheers for the Imp!"

And the Imp, terribly embarrassed at such public mention, endeavored to hide behind his polo-cap, and finally ran up the stairs followed by the cheers and his mother.

On the landing stood Bell-boy No. 5.

"Play good?" he inquired, as they passed. The Imp turned a beaming face to his friend in uniform. "Oh, Jim! he said, "the circus isn't in it with the theatre!" 91