"Tell me all you told her."
"That you were sitting to me for your portrait, the destination of which
was not doubtful. That I lived at 10, Hercules Buildings."
"You told that lady all this?"
"I give my honor. She was so kind, I opened my heart to her. But tell me
now, madam," said Triplet, joyously dancing round the Woffington volcano,
"do you know this charming lady?"
"Yes."
"I congratulate you, madam. An acquaintance worthy even of you; and there
are not many such. Who is she, madam?" continued Triplet, lively with
curiosity.
"Mrs. Vane," was the quiet, grim answer.
"Mrs. Vane? His mother? No--am I mad? His sister! Oh, I see, his--"
"His wife!"
"His wife! Why, then, Mr. Vane's married?"
"Yes."
"Oh, look there!--Oh, look here now! Well, but, good Heavens! she wasn't
to know you were there, perhaps?"
"No."
"But then I let the cat out of the bag?"
"Yes."
"But, good gracious! there will be some serious mischief!"
"No doubt of it."
"And it is all my fault?"
"Yes."
"I've played the deuce with their married happiness?"
"Probably."
"And ten to one if you are not incensed against me too?"
Mrs. Woffington replied by looking him in the face, and turning her back
upon him. She walked hastily to the window, threw it open, and looked out
of it, leaving poor Triplet to very unpleasant reflections.
Pages:
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189