"I hope you'll not think me intrusive," he said, "but I judge that you're not now engaged, and as I'm at present in want of the services of a first-class theatrical company, I ventured to address you."
"The manager skipped last evening," remarked the man in mufti.
"Alvy," corrected Mr. Smith, "I will conduct these negotiations. As Mr. Spotts says, sir," he continued, indicating the last speaker, "with a colloquialism that is his distinguishing characteristic, our manager is not forthcoming, and--a--er--temporary embarrassment has resulted, so that we should gladly accept the engagement you offer, provided it is not inconsistent with the demands of art."
"Oh, cut it short, Tyb," again interrupted the ingenuous Spotts.
Mr. Smith cast a crushing glance at the youth, and, laying one hand across his ample chest, prepared to launch a withering denunciation at him, when Cecil came to the rescue.
"I was about to suggest," he said, "that if you've not yet breakfasted you would all do so with me, and we can then discuss this matter at length."
Mr. Smith's denunciation died upon his lips, and a smile of ineffable contentment lighted up his face.
"Sir," he said, "we are obliged--vastly obliged. I speak collectively." And he waved one flabby hand towards his companions. "I have not, however, the honour of knowing your name."
"Ah, thanks. Mr. Banborough. Exactly. Permit me to introduce myself: H. Tybalt Smith, Esq., tragedian of the A. B. C. Company. My companions are Mr. Kerrington, the heavy villain; Mr. Mill, the leading serious. Our juvenile, Mr. G. Alvarado Spotts, has already sufficiently introduced himself. The ladies are Mrs. Mackintosh, our senior legitimate," indicating the elder of the two, who smilingly acknowledged the introduction in such a good-natured, hearty manner that for the moment her plain, almost rugged New England countenance was lighted up and she became nearly handsome. "And," continued Mr. Smith, "our leading lady, the Leopard-- I mean Miss Violet Arminster," pointing to the bewitching young person in the tailor-made gown.
Each of the members bowed as his or her name was spoken, and the tragedian continued:
"Ladies and gentlemen of the A. B. C. Company, I have much pleasure in introducing to you--my friend--Mr. Cecil Banborough, who has kindly invited you to breakfast at--the Murray Hill? Shall we say the Murray Hill? Yes."