Union Square Jim 87 



provinces. His failure was a fixed fact, and the 

 result caused him to seek inspiration where far too 

 many others seek it. He had been ranting through 

 the part of Macbeth in a dazed way, when, turning 

 with the lines, ' Is this a dagger I see before me ? ' 

 he was confronted by the calm gaze of Jim, who 

 had quietly walked out upon the stage. At first he 

 thought the liquor was having a tragic effect, and 

 his tongue refused to move. The effect upon the 

 audience, however, was otherwise ; and the tragedy 

 became a roaring comedy. 



The season of Miss Blank's engagement was 

 drawing to a close. Jim seemed to realize this, and 

 that good friends must soon part. He was seldom 

 away from the actress when she was in the theatre, 

 and he often tried in many ways to anticipate her 

 wishes. Her slippers were always in place beside 

 her chair, no matter where the maid might have left 

 them. Jim was a true and attentive friend. 



Only two more nights remained of the season, 

 and the last act was called. Miss Blank left her 

 dressing-room, and went toward the wings, closely 

 followed by Jim. The good-natured fellow seemed 



