_Milburd_ (_foreseeing an extinguisher over Shakespeare_). Do you think it good enough?
_Mrs. Frampton._ Good enough!--why--I was only saying to my daughter--(Julia--Mr. Milburd (_introduction_))--wasn't I, Julia?
_Julia_ (_rather stupidly, but still exhibiting caution_). What, mamma?
_Mrs. Frampton._ Why about Mr. Milburd's capital little farce.
_Julia_ (_easily taking up her cue_). Oh, yes! (_ecstatically._) I was _so_ delighted--and where _did_ you get that wonderful dress?
_Milburd_ (_carelessly_). Oh, I got it at the costumier's. I had it for another part some time ago.
_Jovial Stout Gentleman_ (_refreshing himself, and seeing Captain Byrton_). Hallo! Old Bouncer. By Jove! Capital, sir! Capital!
_Byrton_ (_much pleased_). Did you know me when I came on?
_Jovial Stout Person._ Know you? Ha! ha! (_Skilfully evading the question, and pretending to quote._) "Rataplan, Ratalan!"--eh? Ha! ha!
Mrs. Orby Frimmely appears, gentlemen and ladies crowd about her.
"Oh, charming! Such an admirable costume. You really must let me have a sketch of it."
_Mr. Muntson_ (_an Elderly Beau, with a literary-club reputation_). My dear Mrs. Frimmely, I've been saying to your husband, that the stage has positively suffered a loss in your not being ... as they say ... on the boards.
_Mrs. Orby Frimmely_ (_thinks that _his_ opinion, at all events, is worth having, and says_) I'm so glad you liked it.
_Mr. Muntson_ (_sees that he has created a most favourable impression and continues_). It was delightful. All the vivacity of the French stage--of course you know the French stage well?--(_Mrs. Frimmely nods. She has seen Schneider in "La Grande Duchesse," and takes in a French illustrated paper_)--You have--you know the expression--_vous avez du chic_. (_Mrs. Frimmely makes a little curtsey. Elderly Mr. Muntson thinks that Mr. Frimmely is quite out of the race now that he has stept in. He goes on._) We have no actresses now--and if you went on to the stage it would simply be a triumph.
_Mrs. Frimmely_ (_gradually becoming convinced as to what _her_ vocation in life certainly ought to be_). But this little part I played to-night ... it is nothing ... You can't judge from that.
_Muntson._ I can, perfectly. I have seen--let me see--I recollect Mrs. Humby and ...