ROSALINE.

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,—­buttercups 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 (passively).

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 attitude, 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).

He! (She clasps her hands and listens.) My heart tells me so!

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (disagreeably).

It ain’t he—­because he never rings.  So your heart’s told you a lie.

MRS. SYLVESTER (off).

Mr. Sylvester—­is he in?  Not in?  What do you mean?

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Snakes!—­it’s his Missus.

ROSALINE (passionately).

Another wife?

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

No, it is the same one—­do you think he is the Grand Mogul?—­but she will be enough for you if she finds you here, and for me too!

ROSALINE.

I do not fear her.  I am doing no harm—­I am your Model, brought here by you.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (in terror).

Now look here, you know, don’t say that; I won’t be mixed up in it!  I tell you I’ll have nothing to do with the matter!  I didn’t know who you were, or I wouldn’t have brought you within a hundred miles of the place.  Hark.