"Glad to meet you! You came here before?"
"Yes; I arrived this afternoon and called at once. You'll guess my purpose. I want to go on the stage."
"Do you really? You amaze me!"
"Amaze you?"
"Yes! But why do you come to me first?"
"Because I know that you are one of our finest actors and because a mutual friend, Mr. Montanus, the sculptor, told me that you were in every way to be trusted."
"Did he? Well, what can I do for you?"
"I want advice."
"Won't you sit down?"
"If I may act as host...."