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By Charles Reade: Ernest

When they were alone together Peg placed her hands on Vane's shoulders and, gazing fixedly into his eyes, said: "Ernest, we actresses make good the old proverb 'many lovers, few friends,' but no one outside our circle knows how much we need a friend. Will you be one to me?"

And Ernest promised faithfully that he would, while life remained. Then she gave herself up to the intoxication of the moment. With all her adulation Peg was lonely. There had been no one to whom she could go and open her heart with a sense of security, and when Vane poured into her willing ear his avowals of undying love and devotion, Peg's hungry soul drank in his words as the thirsty earth absorbs refreshing showers. She was supremely happy, more so than she had ever dared to be, and the thought almost frightened her as she built dreams for a bright future.