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第6章 用尽一切办法

　　"It's fine to be a good actress," came distinctly back.

　　This thing was the remains of his old-time cocksureness andindependence. Sitting in his flat, and reading of the doings ofother people, sometimes this independent, undefeated mood cameupon him. Forgetting the weariness of the streets and thedegradation of search, he would sometimes prick up his ears. Itwas as if he said:

　　"Oh, yes," said Mrs. Vance to Carrie, "we think we might as wellgive up the flat and store our things. We'll be gone for thesummer, and it would be a useless expense. I think we'll settlea little farther down town when we come back."

　　Unfortunately for the smooth progression of this affair, Drouetreturned. Hurstwood was sitting in his imposing little officethe next afternoon when he saw Drouet enter.

　　"She isn't so much," he said; but in his heart of hearts he didnot believe this.

　　"How is that--what does your text say?"

　　"Rubber!" he called back as she looked after him. There wasnothing of the gallant in him.

　　"All right. Now I have fifteen. Step out of the line," andseizing one by the shoulder, the captain marched him off a littleway and stood him up alone.

　　In April she learned that the opera would probably last until themiddle or the end of May, according to the size of the audiences.Next season it would go on the road. She wondered if she wouldbe with it. As usual, Miss Osborne, owing to her moderatesalary, was for securing a home engagement.