once, please!"

GENTLEMAN WAIFE.--"Surely you could take something to eat first--
something nice,--Miss Chapman?"--(Whispering close), "We can live in
clover now,--a phrase which means" (aloud to the landlady, who crossed
the landing-place above) "grilled chicken and mushrooms for supper,
ma'am! Why don't you smile, Sopby? Oh, darling, you are ill!"

"No, no, Grandy, dear; only tired: let me go to bed. I shall be better
to-morrow; I shall indeed!"

Waife looked fondly into her face, but his spirits were too much
exhilarated to allow him to notice the unusual flush upon her cheek,
except with admiration of the increased beauty which the heightened
colour gave to her soft features.

"Well," said he, "you are a pretty child!--a very pretty child, and you
act wonderfully. You would make a fortune on the stage; but--"

SOPHY (eagerly).--"But--no, no, never!--not the stage!"

WAIFE.--"I don't wish you to go on the stage, as you know. A private
exhibition--like the one to-night, for instance--has" (thrusting his
hand into his pocket) "much to recommend it."

SOPHY (with a sigh).--"Thank Heaven! that is over now; and you'll not be
in want of money for a long, long time! Dear Sir Isaac!"

She began caressing Sir Isaac, who received her attentions with solemn
pleasure. They were now in Sophy's room; and Waife, after again pressing