Upon his disturbed mind there
was dawning a conviction that these inspired mummers were beings
apart from him, knowing things he never could know, feeling
things he never could feel, belonging to another planet whither
he could never voyage, where strange winds blew and all things
lived and grew in a light beyond his understanding. For the
light that shone in the faces of these two was "the light that
never was, on sea or land."
It had its blessing for him. From that moment, if he had known
it, this play, which was being born of so many parents, was
certain of "success," of "popularity," and of what quality of
renown such things may bring. And he who was to be called its
author stood there a Made Man, unless some accident befell.
Miss Ellsling spoke and came forward, another actor with her.
The scene was over. There was a clearing of throats; everybody
moved. The stage-carpenter and his assistant went away blinking,
like men roused from deep sleep. The routine of rehearsal
resumed its place; and old Tinker, who had not stirred a muscle,
rubbed the back of his neck suddenly, and came up the aisle to
Canby.
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