Volume Ii Part 19 (2/2)

'Sir Watkin, I am surprised you ask such a question when you see what a star we've got.'

'Oh, Miss Howard. Not bad. I should like to speak to her.'

'By all means; come along.'

And they made their way to the back, cold and draughty, and very disenchanting, as the workmen were s.h.i.+fting the scenes.

'Take care, Sir Watkin. Mind that trapdoor. Look out, Sir Watkin!' and suchlike exclamations were uttered by the manager as one danger after another threatened. The scene-s.h.i.+fters, very dirty, were numerous.

There a ballet-girl was talking to an admirer, as she was waiting her turn. There another was by herself practising the step which was, in a few minutes, to crown her with well-deserved applause. In the midst of them presently Miss Howard appeared. The manager hastened to introduce his old friend, who, with his hat off, was preparing one of the polite speeches for which men of the world are famous, and by means of which, occasionally, they ensnare a woman.

The lady walked on.

The manager was shocked.

It was now the Baronet's turn.

'Permit an old friend to offer Miss Howard his congratulations on her great success this evening.'

The lady thus addressed coldly bowed, but uttered never a word.

The situation was embarra.s.sing. Fain would the Baronet have detained the actress.

'Rose,' he said pa.s.sionately, 'one word!'

But before he could utter another he found himself face to face with Wentworth, who, as usual, had come to see the actress home.

'You here?' said he to the Baronet.

'Yes, and why not?' said the latter angrily.

'And you dare speak to that lady?'

'Yes, why not? Do you think I am to be balked by a fellow like you?'

'Say that again,' said Wentworth, 'and I'll break every bone in your body.'

'Gentlemen, gentlemen,' exclaimed the manager, 'pray be quiet! Sir Watkin, come along with me.'

The manager was in a dilemma. He would not for the world offend the Baronet, who had often aided him with money, and at the same time he was afraid of the press, of which Wentworth was a representative. As he said afterwards, he felt as if he were between the devil and the deep sea.

His aim was to offend no one who could be of any use.

'Come along with you-yes, I will, but I must have it out with this fellow first,' said the Baronet, making a rush at Wentworth, who seemed quite prepared for the encounter.

Fortunately, just at that time there was a rush of ballet-girls between the angry combatants. They covered the Baronet in a cloud of muslin, who, though not seen, could be heard expressing indignation in no measured terms. The Baronet was powerless as, like a protecting wall, they encircled him, all smiles and suns.h.i.+ne-a contrast to his scowling face.

'Pardon me, ladies,' said he, 'you're rather in my way. I have been insulted on this stage, and I'll have my revenge.'

What more the Baronet would have said is lost to history. The stage is full of pit-fells. One gave way as he was speaking, and suddenly he sank out of sight. The ballet-girls shrieked, and then burst into a fit of laughter as they saw no harm was done. It is needless to say the Baronet was soon extricated from his unpleasant position, and made a rapid retreat. It does not do to be ridiculous, especially when you are in a towering rage, as we all know there is but a step between the sublime and the ridiculous.

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