Part 25 (1/2)

You have always found it goot enough, I pelieve?

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_with enthusiasm_).

But not for ”Susannah”--not nearly good enough for ”Susannah,”

”Susannah” demands so much; she is exacting--she must be humoured.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

Vell, I am very disappointed; I came expressly to see how you had brogressed. Will you make me an abbointment?

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Certainly I will. I will write you to-morrow. I am anxious to have your opinion.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

Who is the friend in whose studio you vork?

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Eh? In Mr. Sylvester's--Charles Sylvester. You should hear him talk about it. By Jove, he does think a lot of it. I blush to repeat what he says. He considers it magnificent.

(_Enter_ SYLVESTER.)

CHARLES SYLVESTER.

Afternoon, Rembrandt. Ah, Mr. Schercl, how-d'ye do.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Sylvester himself--the devil. (_Aloud_.) Dear old man, we were talking of you! I was just telling Mr. Schercl what you are kind enough to say of ”Susannah.”

(_Kicks him aside_.)

HENRICH SCHERCL.

You think it goot, Mr. Sylvester, yes?

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

He thinks it superb, so far as it has gone.

(_Kicks him again_.)

CHARLES SYLVESTER.

What's that? Who is ”Susannah?”

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

”Who is Susannah!” (_With a sickly laugh_.) What a chap to chaff you are. ”Who is Susannah?” Ha, ha, ha.