She pronounced it "Poy." "If ye'll try it at four o'clock, sir, say the word," said Costigan gallantly.

"That girl, sir, makes the best veal and ham pie in England, and I think I can promise ye a glass of punch of the right flavour." Pen had promised to be at home to dinner at six o'clock, but the rascal thought he could accommodate pleasure and duty in this point, and was only too eager to accept this invitation.

He looked on with delight and wonder whilst Ophelia busied herself about the room, and prepared for the dinner.

She arranged the glasses, and laid and smoothed the little cloth, all which duties she performed with a quiet grace and good humour, which enchanted her guest more and more.

The "poy" arrived from the baker's in the hands of one of the little choir-boy's brothers at the proper hour: and at four o'clock Pen found himself at dinner--actually at dinner with the greatest tragic actress in the world, and her father--with the handsomest woman in all creation--with his first and only love, whom he had adored ever since when ?--ever since yesterday, ever since for ever.