Page:Gissing - The Nether World, vol. II, 1889.djvu/217

 There was a perfection of insolence in her tone that in itself spoke strongly for the abilities she could display if occasion offered.

“This is rather an offhand way of treating the subject, madam,” cried Mr. Peel. “If you disparage our audiences, I beg you to observe that it is much the same thing as telling me that my own successes are worthless!”

“I intended nothing of the kind.”

“Perhaps not.” He thrust his hands into his pockets, and looked down at his boots for an instant. “So you are discontented with your part?”

“It’s only natural that I should be.”

“I presume you think yourself equal to Juliet, or perhaps Lady Macbeth?”

“I could play either a good deal better than most women do.”

The manager laughed, by no means ill-humouredly.

“I’m sorry I can’t bring you out in Shakespeare just at present, Miss Vale; but—should you think it a condescension to play Laura Denton?”