not go on the Lunnon stage at all; and
what was worse, he was a long time atwixt life and death, and got summat
bad on his chest wi' catching cold, and lost his voice, and became the
sad object you have gazed on, young happy things that ye are."
"But he got some compensation from the railway, I suppose?" said Vance,
with the unfeeling equanimity of a stoical demon.
"He did, and spent it. I suppose the gentleman broke out in him as soon
as he had money, and, ill though he was, the money went. Then it seems
he had no help for it but to try and get back to Mr. Rugge. But Mr.
Rugge was sore and spiteful at his leaving; for Rugge counted on him,
and had even thought of taking the huge theatre at York, and bringing
out Gentleman Waife as his trump card. But it warn't fated, and Rugge
thought himself ill-used, and so at first he would have nothing more to
say to Waife. And truth is, what could the poor man do for Rugge? But
then Waife produces little Sophy."
"You mean Juliet Araminta?" said Vance.
"Same--in private life she be Sophy. And Waife taught her to act,
and put together the plays for her. And Rugge caught at her; and
she supports Waife with what she gets; for Rugge only gives him four
shillings a week, and that goes on 'baccy and such like."
"Such like--drink, I presume?" said Vance.
"No--he don't drink. But he do smoke, and he has little genteel ways
with him, and four shillings goes on 'em. And they have been about the
country this spring, and done well, and now they be here. But Rugge
behaves shocking hard to both on 'em: and I don't believe he has any
right to her in law, as he pretends,--only a sort of understanding which
she and her grandfather could break if they pleased; and that's what
they wish to do, and that's why little Sophy wants the three pounds."
"How?" cried Lionel, eagerly. "If they had three pounds could they get
away? and if they did, how could they live? Where could they go?"
"That's their secret. But I heard Waife say--the first night they came
here--I that if he could get three pounds, he had hit on a plan to
be independent like. I tell you what put his back up: it was Rugge
insisting on his coming on the stage agin, for he did not like to be
seen such a wreck. But he was forced to give in; and so he contrived
to cut up that play-story, and appear hisself at the last without
speaking."
"My good friend," cried young Lionel, "we are greatly obliged to you
for your story; and w
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