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242 ing that it might be improved. Now let me see Suppose you try walking toward the stove. Then speak it not to yourself, but to nobody in particular, as though it came unconsciously from your lips."

Again the line was repeated and again the director hesitated.

Once more the old actor touched him on the sleeve. "I have played before three—"

"Don't bother me now! How many times must I ask you to sit down?"

Then Paul came once more to the footlights and announced—"Shake your own snow, I am going to eat."

"Get off the stage!"

He left the stage unbuckling the straps of his overalls and his exit was followed by a sudden fall of snow. A few stray flakes fluttered into the room as the actress again repeated her line. The old actor leaned on his staff and watched the stage with eager eyes.

Passing out into the lobby you again heard as an echo: "Don't bother me now!" And once more it was followed by the everlasting "I think it is growing colder."