Gay hovered about unable to decide whether his opera was going to be a thumping success or a dismal failure.

The general impression was in the direction of the latter, but no one save Quin gave vent to his or her sentiments.
"Well, what d'ye think, Mr.Quin ?" asked Gay anxiously when the rehearsal was over.
Quin refreshed himself with a pinch of snuff before he answered.
"Humph--can't say--can't say.

It'll be a riddle to the audience.

Bad thing to puzzle 'em, eh ?" "Surely it's plain enough.

But if it's amusing, what else matters ?" "I won't put my opinion against yours, Mr.Gay and Mr.Pope's, but----" Quin shrugged his shoulders and stalked away, and Lavinia, who was watching the two from a distance, ran across the stage, her face a little troubled.