Did you see what one of the papers said about the
400th performance?--that the fate of "The Squire's Daughter" had for
some time been doubtful, but that it had been saved by the increased
prominence given to the part played by Mr. Fred Collier!--a compliment
to the public taste!--the piece saved by lugging in a lot of music-hall
buffoonery!"
"But, Leo," Nina said, "your friends who are coming on Saturday night
will not think you responsible for all that."
"People are apt to judge of you by your associates, Nina," he said,
absently; he was clearly looking forward to this visit with some
compunction, not to say alarm.
Then he went to Miss Burgoyne. Miss Burgoyne had forgiven him for having
introduced Percival Miles to the Richmond dinner-party; indeed, she was
generally as ready to forgive as she was quick to take offence.
"I wish you would do me a very great favor," he said.
"What is it?" asked Grace Mainwaring, who was standing in front of the
tall mirror, adjusting the shining stars and crescents that adorned her
powdered hair.
"I suppose you could wear a little nosegay with that dress," he said,
"of natural flowers, done up with a bit of white satin ribbon, perhaps,
and a silver tube and cord, or something of that kind?"
"Flowers?" she repeated.
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