Then he turned, quite beautifully, to Austin.
"And you, young gentleman.

And what have _you_ to say ?" he asked in a carefully choking voice.
"That I like you even better in your present part than as Sardanapalus," replied Austin, cordially.
"The tribute is two-edged," observed the actor with a shrug.

And certainly he had acted well, and dressed the character to perfection.
But the takings of the performance, alas, had not paid expenses.

He really had a sentiment for the lady he had been wooing, and the prospect of a solid additional income--for it was clear she was in very easy circumstances--had smiled upon him not unpleasantly.

And why should she not have married him?
He was her equal in birth, they had been possible lovers in their youth, he had made a name for himself meanwhile, and, after all, there was no stain upon his honour.
But she had now definitely refused.