The last words seemed spoken more to herself than to her hearer , but Josie answered quickly , with a smile and an expressive gesture : ' I got the bracelet in spite of all the bitter water in my eyes . ' ` You did ! I do n't forget it . A good omen . We will accept it . ' Miss Cameron answered the smile with one that was like sunshine to the girl , and stretched her white hands as if taking some invisible gift . Then added in a different tone , watching the effect of her words on the expressive face before her : ` Now you will be disappointed , for instead of telling you to come and study with me , or go and act in some second-rate theatre at once , I advise you to go back to school and finish your education . That is the first step , for all accomplishments are needed , and a single talent makes a very imperfect character . Cultivate mind and body , heart and soul , and make yourself an intelligent , graceful , beautiful , and healthy girl . Then , at eighteen or twenty , go into training and try your powers . Better start for the battle with your arms in order , and save the hard lesson which comes when we rush on too soon . Now and then genius carries all before it , but not often . We have to climb slowly , with many slips and falls . Can you wait as well as work ? ' ' I will ! ' ` We shall see . It would be pleasant to me to know that when I quit the stage I leave behind me a well-trained , faithful , gifted comrade to more than fill my place , and carry on what I have much at heart -- the purification of the stage . Perhaps you are she ; but remember , mere beauty and rich costumes do not make an actress , nor are the efforts of a clever little girl to play great characters real art . It is all dazzle and sham , and a disgrace and disappointment now . Why will the public be satisfied with opera bouffe , or the trash called society plays when a world of truth and beauty , poetry and pathos lies waiting to be interpreted and enjoyed ? '
Miss XXXXX had forgotten to whom she spoke , and walked to and fro , full of the noble regret all cultivated people feel at the low state of the stage nowadays .
Cameron Josie accomplishments actress art characters first heart mind tone