"Give me the word, madam," whispered the actor.

"It's a hard word, Jem," the lady replied.

"Then give me the next." "That's harder." The performer was at a stand-still; the situation was becoming desperate.

"The next!" cried Gardner, furiously.

"Harder still!" answered the prompter, and then, perplexed beyond bearing, she flung the book on the stage, and exclaimed aloud: "There, now you have them all; take your choice." The lady's usual station was in front of the house, however She was her own money-taker, and to this fact has been ascribed the great good fortune she enjoyed as a manager.