Page:Ethel Churchill 3.pdf/137

Rh "Punctual to the moment!" exclaimed he: "what a bad heart, Courtenaye, you must have! I can understand no other motive for a man's being punctual, but a desire of putting all the rest of the world to shame." "I had no such magnificent motive," replied Norbourne, smiling: "my only one was to introduce Mr. Maynard to you." "I can forgive punctuality in such a cause," said Sir George, with his most courteous manner; "but I rather feel," glancing at the table, "as if I were renewing my acquaintance with an old friend, than making a new one." Walter could not but feel gratified by such a reception. "I need not," continued his host, "present you to Lavinia, she being your own especial creation. Pray, did you make your 'Coquette' for her?"

"Say, rather," interrupted the actress, "that I made it for him. But that reminds me that our parts are to be cast in the new opera to-day: mine is to he all sweetness and simplicity!"