It was a well-known fact that it was one of the best houses of its period, one

Was proud of it and took care of it, but it was just there, as natural to possess

As the air one breathed. He was shrewd and ambitious. He knew that his

Beauty was at present his chief asset, but he knew it could not last for ever and

Was determined to become a good actor so that he should have something

Besides his looks to depend on. He meant to learn all he could from Jimmie

Langton and then go to London.

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"If I play my cards well I can get some old woman to back me and go into