‘The likeness is really remarkable,’ said Stuart, seriously; ’you have the Mary Stuart brow exactly, and the mouth, as I said; and I think, as far as difference of colour admits similarity of effect, the eyes have the same trick of power.  I suppose you like power?’

’I suppose I should!  Mr. Falkirk ties up all my power, and labels it “Edge tools,” ’ said Wych Hazel.

’I suppose it cuts its way out, and so justifies him.  Don’t you have your own way generally?’

’Well, between taking it, and coaxing it out, and refusing to take any other, I do have it sometimes,’ said Wych Hazel.

’Is Mr. Falkirk much of an ogre?  I do not know him.  Difficult to manage?’

‘He thinks I am,’ said Wych Hazel.  ’No, he is not an ogre at all, except officially.’

’Does he pretend to exercise much supervision over your doings?’

‘Pretend?’ she repeated.  ’He has the right, Mr. Nightingale.  And did ever a man have a right and not give it an airing now and then?’

Stuart laughed, and laughed again.  ‘Don’t be hard on us!’ he pleaded.

‘Truth is not slander.’

’But are not women as fond of power, and wont to exercise it as ruthlessly, as ever men are?’

‘It is not a strong power, if they do.’

‘Take care,’ said Stuart.  ’Honour bright!—­while Mr. Falkirk thinks things go according to his will, don’t they really go by yours?’

‘No,’ said Wych Hazel, ’when he thinks they do, they do,—­when they do not, he knows it.’

’Then you are not free.  That is hard!—­hard upon you.  A mother’s authority is one thing; a guardian’s, I should think, is something very different.  Does he interfere with your dancing?’

’No.’—­Hazel herself hardly knew why words suddenly became scarce.

‘I thought you were very fond of it.’

‘O, I am!’

’Then why will you not honour me and please yourself to-night?’

’ “Why” is safe, while “why” keeps hid.  All women know that,’ said Wych Hazel.

‘You best of all,’ said Stuart.  ’I dare say it is just to make us miserable.  But now I am coming to you with a more serious request.  Will you help us in some private theatricals?’

’I?—­O, I could not.  I know nothing about the matter.  Never went to a theatre in my life, to begin with.’

’So much the better.  I know you will do it to perfection.  In the first place you are not vain; and in the second place you are independent; and an actor should be free in both respects.  And of positive qualifications you are full.  Say you will try!’

‘I am the worst person to make believe that ever you saw,’ said Wych Hazel.  ’I doubt if I could counterfeit anybody else for ten minutes.’

‘Precisely!’ said Stuart in a contented tone.  ’You would not counterfeit.  Good acting is not counterfeiting—­it is nature.  You will help us?  Say you will!’