Then St Aubyn said, in a different tone altogether: "You surprise me beyond measure by what you say.

I should have thought that a boy of your poetical and artistic temperament would have had his imagination somewhat fired, even by the efforts of the poor showman whom we've seen to-night.

Now I will make you a confession.

At the bottom of my heart I agree with every word you've said.

I may be one-sided, prejudiced, what you will, but I cannot help looking upon a public performer as I look upon no other human being.