It meant more than the mere paying of bills, too. It taught us to have
faith--faith in ourselves and faith in the future. There is always a way
out of the difficulties. Even though we cannot see or guess what that
way is to be, it will be provided. Since then we have gone together
through many dark days and cruel hurts and bitter disappointments, but
always to come out stronger for the test.

The next few months were devoted to preparations for the baby, and our
financial reckonings had to be readjusted. I had to find ways of making
a little more money. I was not after much money, but I must have more.
All I had to sell was what I could write. Where was a quick market for a
poor newspaper man's wares?

My experience with Mr. Dixey turned me to the vaudeville stage. I could
write playlets, I thought. So while Mother was busy sewing at nights I
devoted myself to writing. And at last the first sketch was finished. At
the Temple Theatre that week was the popular character actor, William H.
Thompson. To him I showed the manuscript of the sketch, which was called
"The Matchmaker." Mr. Thompson took it on Tuesday; and on Friday he sent
word that he wished to see me. Into his dressing-room I went, almost
afraid to face him.

"It's a bully little sketch," said he, as I sat on his trunk, "and I'd
like to buy it from you. I can't pay as much as I should like; but if
you care to let me have it I'll give you two hundred and fifty
dollars--one hundred and fifty dollars now, and the remaining hundred
next week."

I tried to appear indifferent, but the heart of me was almost bursting