Then curiosity was roused.

Her fingers crept towards the papers, for there were two.

One ran thus:-- "The Duke's Theatre, "Lincoln's Inn Fields.
"SIR,-- "I have read your play and herewith return it.

I doubt not it has merit but it will not suit me.
"I am your obedient humble servant, Lancelot Vane, Esq.

"JOHN RICH." "Poor fellow--so he writes plays.