"Same--in private life she be Sophy. And Waife taught her to act, and
put together the plays for her. And Rugge caught at her; and she
supports Waife with what she gets; for Rugge only gives him four
shillings a week, and that goes on 'baccy and such like."

"Such like--drink, I presume?" said Vance.

"No--he don't drink. But he do smoke, and he has little genteel ways
with him, and four shillings goes on 'em. And they have been about the
country this spring, and done well, and now they be here. But Rugge
behaves shocking hard to both on 'em: and I don't believe he has any
right to her in law, as he pretends,--only a sort of understanding which
she and her grandfather could break if they pleased; and that's what they
wish to do, and that's why little Sophy wants the three pounds."

"How?" cried Lionel, eagerly. "If they had three pounds could they get
away? and if they did, how could they live? Where could they go?"

"That's their secret. But I heard Waife say--the first night they came
here--I that if he could get three pounds, he had hit on a plan to be
independent like. I tell you what put his back up: it was Rugge
insisting on his coming on the stage agin, for he did not like to be seen
such a wreck. But he was forced to give in; and so he contrived to cut
up that play-story, and appear hisself at the last without speaking."

"My good friend," cried young Lionel, "we are greatly obliged to you for
your story; and we should much like to see little Sophy and her
grandfather at your house to-morrow,--can we?"