emen and ladies of quality
passing up and down Palace Street walked more slowly when they came to the
small white house, and looked to see if the face of Darden's Audrey showed
at any window.

Thus the winter wore away. The springtime was at hand, when one day the
Governor, wrought upon by Mistress Evelyn Byrd, sent to Mr. Stagg, bidding
him with his wife and the new player to the Palace. The three, dressed in
their best, were ushered into the drawing-room, where they found his
Excellency at chess with the Attorney-General; a third gentleman, seated
somewhat in the shadow, watching the game. A servant placed, chairs for
the people from the theatre. His Excellency checkmated his antagonist,
and, leaning back in his great chair, looked at Darden's Audrey, but
addressed his conversation to Mr. Charles Stagg. The great man was
condescendingly affable, the lesser one obsequious; while they talked the
gentleman in the shadow arose and drew his chair to Audrey's side. 'Twas
Colonel Byrd, and he spoke to the girl kindly and courteously; asking
after her welfare, giving her her meed of praise, dwelling half humorously
upon the astonishment and delight into which she had surprised the
play-loving town. Audrey listened with downcast eyes to the suave tones,
the well-turned compliments, but when she must speak spoke quietly and
well.

At last the Governor turned toward her, and began to ask well-meant
questions and to give pompous encouragement to the new player. No
reference was made to that other time when she had visited the Palace. A
servant poured for each of the three a glass of wine. His Excellency
graciously desired that they shortly give 'Tamerlane' again, that being a
play which, as a true Whig and a hater of all tyrants, he much delighted
in, and as graciously announced his intention of bestowing upon the
company two slightly tarnished birthday suits. The great man then arose,
and the audience was over.

Outside the house, in the sunny walk leading to the gates, the three from
the theatre met, full face, a lady and two gentlemen who had been
sauntering up and down in the pleasant weather. The lady was Evelyn Byrd;
the gentlemen were Mr. Lee and Mr. Grymes.

Audrey, moving slightly in advance of her companions, halted at the sight
of Evelyn, and the rich color surged to her face; but the other, pale and
lovely, kept her composure, and, with a smile and a few graceful words of
greeting, curtsied deeply to the player. A