'He's been there all afternoon.'

'I take it that you're a member of the company.'

'Oh, yes,' she replied, showing a perfect set of teeth in a broad smile. 'I have two parts in Macbeth – I play one of the witches, then I reappear as Lady Macduff.'

'Then I must question the casting,' he said, gallantly. 'You're far too beautiful to be a witch.' She laughed gaily at the compliment. 'What is not in doubt is your boldness in staging a play that has a reputation of bringing back luck. Mr Buckmaster is a brave man.'

Her face ignited with ardour. 'I think he's a genius!'

'He's an outstanding actor, to be sure. I marvelled at his Othello and recall his Romeo with fondness.'

'Every part he touches, he makes his own.'

'I daresay that's also true of you – may I know your name?'

'Of course, sir – it's Laura Tremaine.'

'I hope I have the chance to see you perform, Miss Tremaine. But let me give you a warning,' he went on, looking around. 'Light will start to fade before too long. It's not wise for an unaccompanied young lady to be on the streets. Cardiff is not short of public houses, as you can see. I'd hate to think of your being harassed by drunkards.'

'There's no danger of that,' she said, chirpily. 'I'm called for a rehearsal quite soon. Besides, I'm not alone. Duncan and the Porter are keeping watch on me.' She indicated the figure of a stout, stooping, middle-aged man some thirty yards away. That's Sydney Hobbs. He plays both parts. In a small company like ours, we have a lot of doubling. Mr Buckmaster says that it's good experience for us.'

Laura Tremaine had the burning conviction of a true Thespian. Colbeck felt a pang of sympathy for her. Not for the first time, he thought how gruelling the life of a touring actress must be. Laura would be constantly on the move, going from place to place in search of an audience, travelling cheaply, eating poorly, staying in drab accommodation, living on a pittance and paying for her brief moments of glory on stage by doing such mundane chores as handing out playbills to passing strangers and running the risk of molestation.