"Then why did you set me on, madam?" said Triplet, reproachfully.
"Because I wanted amusement, and my head ached," was the cool answer,
somewhat languidly given.
"I defy the coxcombs!" cried Triplet, with reviving spirit. "But real
criticism I respect, honor, and bow to. Such as yours, madam; or such as
that sweet lady's at Mr. Vane's would have been; or, in fact, anybody's
who appreciates me. Oh, madam, I wanted to ask you, was it not strange
your not being at Mr. Vane's, after all, to-day?"
"I was at Mr. Vane's, Triplet."
"You were? Why, I came with my verses, and she said you were not there! I
will go fetch the verses."
"No, no! Who said I was not there?"
"Did I not tell you? The charming young lady who helped me with her own
hand to everything on the table. What wine that gentleman possesses!"
"Was it a young lady, Triplet?"
"Not more than two-and-twenty, I should say.
"In a traveling-dress?"
"I could not see her dress, madam, for her beauty--brown hair, blue eyes,
charming in conversation--"
"Ah! What did she tell you?"
"She told me, madam-- Ahem!"
"Well, what did you tell her? And what did she answer?"
"I told her that I came with verses for you, ordered by Mr. Vane. That he
admired you. I descanted, madam, on your virtues, which had made him your
slave."
"Go on," said Mrs. Woffington, encouraging him with a deceitful smile.
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