But she has not shown a genuine hanker for anybody yet.' 'If she finds the money, and this Stancy finds the name and blood, 'twould be a very neat match between 'em,--hey ?' 'That's the argument.' Nothing more was said again for a long time, but the stranger's eyes showed more interest in the passes between Paula and De Stancy than they had shown before.

At length the crisis came, as described in the last chapter, De Stancy saluting her with that semblance of a kiss which gave such umbrage to Somerset.

The stranger's thin lips lengthened a couple of inches with satisfaction; he put his hand into his pocket, drew out two half-crowns which he handed to the landlord, saying, 'Just applaud that, will you, and get your comrades to do the same.' The landlord, though a little surprised, took the money, and began to clap his hands as desired.

The example was contagious, and spread all over the room; for the audience, gentle and simple, though they might not have followed the blank verse in all its bearings, could at least appreciate a kiss.

It was the unusual acclamation raised by this means which had led Somerset to turn his head.
When the play had ended the stranger was the first to rise, and going downstairs at the head of the crowd he passed out of doors, and was lost to view.