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 Cameron 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 . ` That 's what Uncle Laurie says ; and he and Aunt Jo try to plan plays about true and lovely things -- simple domestic scenes that touch people 's hearts , and make them laugh and cry and feel better . Uncle says that sort is my style , and I must not think of tragedy . But it 's so much nicer to sweep about in crowns and velvet trains than to wear everyday clothes , and just be myself , though it is so easy . ' ` Yet that is high art , child , and what we need for a time till we are ready for the masters . Cultivate that talent of yours . It is a special gift , this power to bring tears and smiles , and a sweeter task to touch the heart than to freeze the blood or fire the imagination .
Tell your uncle he is right , and ask your aunt to XXXXX a play for you .
comes know need needed play quit start touch try wait