Part 33 (1/2)

I have never forgotten him. I have always treasured his memory in my soul.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_soothingly_).

That was very nice of you. You are a very nice girl--I saw it at once.

ROSALINE.

_He_ used to say that--he used to call me his ”Toppett.”

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

His little ”Toppett?” It is a pretty name, and I am sure he will be delighted to find you here, when he comes. It will be a surprise for him, won't it; quite a surprise! (_Aside_.) A perfect devil of a surprise!

ROSALINE.

For all he knows I might be dead--dead with the violets blooming over my tomb.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Yes, yes,--b.u.t.tercups and daisies. (_Aside_.) I shall get the giddy push from here when he does come; I see it sticking out a foot.

(_Aloud_.) I say, Poppett--I mean ”Rosaline,” do you feel equal to going on with the sitting till he arrives?

ROSALINE (_pa.s.sively_).

As you please--I must live.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside._)

It is doubtful whether Sylvester will see it in the same light.

(_Aloud_.) Well, then, suppose you take up your position again.

(_He poses her with much difficulty, as each time he places her arms in the required att.i.tude, she moves to wipe away a tear_).

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

There, now we've got it at last. (_He goes back to the easel, and commences to work_).

ROSALINE.

(_Bursting into sobs, and collapsing altogether_.) Boo--hoo--hoo!

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_despairingly_).

Oh, great Jupiter! This is too much! Can't you contain your emotion? I know it is very praiseworthy, but can't you bottle it up? How on earth am I to paint you while you keep going on like this.

(_The street-door bell rings_).

ROSALINE (_joyously_).