I rarely visit the theatre.

I never saw _Lady Hartletop._ I haven't been in a theatre of any sort for two years.

So you must forgive me.

I congratulate you on your success." Addie received this tribute with a mollified smile, which changed to a glance of surprised curiosity.
"You never go to the theatre ?--and yet you write plays!" she exclaimed.
"That's queer, isn't it?
But I believe writing people are queer--they look it, anyhow.

All the same, you don't look like a writer--what does he look like, Mrs.Wooler?
Oh, I know--a sort of nice little officer boy, just washed and tidied up!" The landlady, who had evidently enjoyed this passage at arms, laughed as she gave Copplestone a significant glance.
"And when did you come down home, Addie ?" she asked quietly.