FLE. Here it is. I had some corrections to make.
HOL. Shall I take it home with me and finish it?
FLE. No, no. Copy it here; it will not take ten minutes.
HOL. You flatter me. I know it is only good feeling induces you to give me your manuscripts to copy.
FLE. Starved! Die of hunger in wealthy London!
HOL. It is true, though; that day when you found me almost fainting near the stage-door of the theatre.
FLE. Ah! what the devil were you doing there?
HOL. (_quickly_). Nothing. I expected nothing. I, I came there by accident, because I had not strength to go any further. Ah! sir, I wish I was enabled to prove to you that I am not ungrateful.
HOL. But I will mention it. Why yesterday I received through you a guinea for copying a comedy--a guinea, sir, a whole guinea. I have not been so rich for many a day.
FLE. (_laughing._) Which you doubtless invested in stocks.
HOL. It was for another, and I may never have the means again. Self-denial was, in this instance, a pleasure to me.
FLE. Well, well, privately as politically, I suppose you have a right to do what you like with your own.
HOL. Ah! if you only knew--no matter. Your piece is very pretty.
HOL. Yes; perhaps I am presuming in giving an opinion.
HOL. It's very pretty. There is one part in particular that affected me to tears.
HOL. The scene where the father finds his daughter.
FLE. (_aside_). The very part that Miss Constance Belmour absolutely murders.
HOL. It's fine, very fine! The father speaks as a father should; I, if I found myself in a similar situation, I feel I should express myself exactly as you have written.
HOL. I have read that scene over at least ten times. I know it by heart.
HOL. Let me see--"My child! my child! come to my arms. It is you alone can efface the sufferings of twenty years!"
HOL. That scene requires to be well acted.
HOL. Well acted by the man, and well acted by the lady, in particular.
HOL. The lady has but one word to say, but one exclamation: "My father!" but the success entirely depends upon the manner of her giving it.
FLE. You are right, and I shall hesitate no longer. (_Writes._) "My dear Miss Belmour,--It is quite impossible"----
HOL. Miss Belmour! Did you say Miss Constance Belmour?
FLE. Yes, I cast her this part--I am writing to relieve her of it.