The Mammoth Book Of Vampire Stories Written By Women

"Why should I?" asked Ragoczy, taking off his cloak and revealing formal evening dress, including a glistening red silken sash over his shoulder with the diamond-studded Order of Saint Stephen of Hungary blazing on it. "What has Shakespeare to do with your work here?"

"They would turn me off if they knew that I am studying to be an actor," said John Henry with a direct candour that was as unexpected to him as it was to Ragoczy.

"Why?" Ragoczy chose one of the pulled-back chairs, turned it to face John Henry, and sat down. "What reason would they have to turn you off?"

"Acting is not a very honourable profession," said John Henry quietly.

"It was good enough for Shakespeare, and he ended up a baronet." Ragoczy looked slightly amused. "But the Elizabethans were not so squeamish as you modern English are."

"Influence makes a difference," said John Henry, with a sigh. "And a clerk at a merchant's emporium has little to hope for in regard to advancement of that sort."

"They say Shakespeare himself began in the butcher's trade, in Warwickshire." He shook his head once. "He made his own advancement, and you can, as well. What do you want to do, Mr Brodribb?" asked Ragoczy as he made himself more comfortable. "You may tell me without fear. I will keep your confidence."

"Finish up tonight, if we can," said John Henry at once.

"No," Ragoczy responded. "In regard to your acting: what do you want to do?"

John Henry stared at Ragoczy, thinking the answer was obvious. "Why, be an actor, of course. To perform Shakespeare well for appreciative audiences. To introduce new plays of merit." There was much more to it, but he hesitated to voice these intentions, for that might jinx them.

"Is that all?" asked Ragoczy blandly.

"No," John Henry admitted.

"Would you be willing to tell me of your aspirations?" He asked so casually but with a look of acceptance that broke through John Henry's reserve.

"You must not tell anyone," he cautioned Ragoczy, his nerve all but deserting him.

"Of course," said Ragoczy gravely. He gave John Henry a measuring look. "And how would you set about being an actor? Have you planned?"

As this very subject had taken up most of John Henry's dreams since he came to London, eight years before, he had an answer; over that time he had arrived at a plan that he was sure would succeed if only he could get the funds to put it into operation. "First," he said, launching into his scheme with gusto, "first I would arrange to act with a good amateur company, one where I can gain the basic experience, and meet those who know others in the profession. If I could afford to pay to play a leading role, that would be the best"

"Pay to play a leading role?" Ragoczy interrupted. "Is that usual?"

"It is," said John Henry, thrown off his stride. "It would be better to pay for a whole production, but that is wishing for the stars." He paused and regained his inner momentum. "I would outfit myself and take lessons in fencing and other skills. Once I had some favourable reviews, and a few introductions, I would find a touring company, probably in the north or the Midlands, and sign on to do small parts. That way I would master my craft and have the advantage of experience in the process. Eventually, I would want to come back to London. And one day, I would like to have my own company." This last came out in a rush.

Ragoczy studied him, then said, "And you are learning Romeo as a starting point."

"Yes. I have learned Brutus and Henry V already, and I am working on Angelo. Eventually I will learn Macbeth. Not that I would be ready to play them yet, at my age." He laughed selfconsciously. "I can make myself up to appear older, but I haven't the training to carry it off, yet. When I try, I do too much and the results are laughable."

"Hence Romeo, since you are a young man," said Ragoczy.

"Oh, yes," said John Henry, his eyes bright. "But I have been studying people, trying to learn their characteristics so that I may use them at some future time." He strode across the floor in the ponderous roll Mr Tubbs affected. "That is but one example."

"Very well done," said Ragoczy. "You have caught his obsequious pomposity."

John Henry lowered his eyes. "Thank you."

Ragoczy continued to watch him in silence. Then he got to his feet. "Well, shall we give our attention to the ledger? The sooner we are finished here, the sooner you will be able to return to Romeo." He went to John Henry's desk and glanced at the page John Henry had set out earlier. "How bad do you think it is?"

Difficult though it was, John Henry set his own ambitions aside and gave his attention to the figures on the page. "I would have to say, Count, that in the last decade alone, more than two thousand pounds have been siphoned off your accounts. Between that and what appears to be a consistent pattern of overcharging, you are at a considerable disadvantage." He found himself wondering what it must be like to have more than three thousand pounds to lose.