“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。