He watched her at the side-scene--where she stood waiting to come on the stage, and where her father took off her shawl: when the reconciliation arrived, and she flung herself down on Mr.Bingley's shoulders, whilst the children clung to their knees, and the Countess (Mrs.Bingley) and Baron Steinforth (performed with great liveliness and spirit by Garbetts)--while the rest of the characters formed a group round them, Pen's hot eyes only saw Fotheringay, Fotheringay.

The curtain fell upon him like a pall.

He did not hear a word of what Bingley said, who came forward to announce the play for the next evening, and who took the tumultuous applause, as usual, for himself.

Pen was not even distinctly aware that the house was calling for Miss Fotheringay, nor did the manager seem to comprehend that anybody else but himself had caused the success of the play.

At last he understood it--stepped back with a grin, and presently appeared with Mrs.Haller on his arm.