"There is no need to be worried about the present state of the theatre," said Miss Fay Bainter to a CRIMSON reporter yesterday afternoon in her dressing room between the acts of "First Love", the French importation in which she is now starring at the Plymouth. "The theatre and the modern play are in quite as good standing as the novel of today and other fields of artistic endeavor."

"Recently," continued Miss Bainter vivaciously, "there have been repeated accusations of salaciousness hurled at the modern play. Some writers have gone so far as to say that the sole support of the present day drama is the 'savoursome' side and its potalulity. This is untrue. The present day plays have intrinsic merit enough to hold the interest of the audience. This can hardly be said of the French farce which is--well--very risque."

"As for myself," said Miss Bainter, when questioned regarding her own favorite type--of play, "I like joyous, dumb things, you know. I haven't decided whether I will be a great emotional actress or not. There is a great deal of satisfaction to be derived from the healthy laughter of an audience.

"Right now, however, I am chiefly interested in old autographed books. I dearly love old names, and am coming over to Harvard next week to go through Widener and look at famous signatures. Paul Revere is my idea of the typical old Bostonian, but I expect to discover quite a few historic signatures. I must see the famous glass flowers too," she concluded knowingly. Miss Bainter unwrapped a gift while speaking. It proved to be a collection of old programs, one of which dated back to 1870. "When I announced that I was interested in anything ancient pertaining to the theatre, I received quite a few valuable old programs and books of theatrical interest. I find my hobby quite fascinating."

Miss Bainter is most opt mistie about the modern stage. "People often come and ask me to join some uplift society or other, but nothing is to be accomplished by these methods. The drama is going through a cycle, and will come through stronger than ever. The present phase is just transient."