That which he had first assumed from a mere spirit of play, the veriest
freak of boyish adventure, had suddenly developed into a real impulse
to which his heart gave complete surrender.

To all outward appearances Miss Beth Norvell remained serenely
unconscious regarding either his admiration or his presence. It was
impossible to imagine that in so small a company he could continually
pass and repass without attracting notice, yet neither word nor look
passed between them; no introduction had been accorded, and she merely
ignored him, under the natural impression, without doubt, that he was
simply an ignorant roustabout of the stage, a wielder of trunks, a
manipulator of scenery, in whom she could feel no possible interest. A
week passed thus, the troupe displaying their talents to fair business,
and constantly penetrating into more remote regions, stopping at all
manner of hotels, travelling in every species of conveyance, and
exhibiting their ability, or lack of it, upon every makeshift of a
stage. Sometimes this was a bare hall; again it was an armory, with an
occasional opera house--like an oasis in the vast desert--to yield them
fresh professional courage. Small cities, straggling towns, boisterous
mining camps welcomed and speeded them on, until sameness became
routine, and names grew meaningless. It was the sort of life to test
character thoroughly, and the "Heart of the World" troupe of strollers
began very promptly to exhibit its kind. Albrecht, who was making
money, retained his coarse good-nature unruffled by the hardships of
travel; but the majority of the stage people grew morose and
fretful,--the eminent comedian, glum and unapproachable as a bear; the
leading gentleman swearing savagely over every unusual worry, and
acting the boor generally; the _ingénue_, snappy and cat-like. Miss
Norvell alone among them all appeared as at first, reserved, quiet,
uncomplaining, forming no intimate friendships, yet performing her