of the matter.
MRS. TEMPENNY.
But only for a time?
MRS. SYLVESTER (_impressively_).
Two years ago I went into his studio, and found her there.
MRS. TEMPENNY.
Horrible.
MRS. SYLVESTER.
You may well say so. She was sitting on a table drinking brandy and
soda as bold as brass. Of course he swore that he needed her for a
picture he was going to work on--and, I don't know, perhaps it was
true. Still considering what had been, her presence there was an
outrage, and I shall never forget the quarrel there was between Charles
and me. That was the last I have seen of Rosaline--she went flying.
MRS. TEMPENNY.
And was it the last that Mr. Sylvester has seen of her?
MRS. SYLVESTER.
So far as I know. But there is always the lurking, horrid doubt. You
know now why I am not the light-hearted girl you remember, and why I
distrust artists as a class.
_Pause_.
MRS. TEMPENNY (_meditatively_).
I don't see why you should distrust Mr. Tempenny because Mr. Sylvester
is not steady.
MRS. SYLVESTER.
Are you quite contented?
MRS. TEMPENNY.
No--we are too hard up, but I believe Rembrandt loves me, and I love
him.
MRS. SYLVESTER (_heavily_).
Poor child.
(_Enter_ REMBRANDT TEMPENNY _door in flat. He wears long
hair, and a brown velveteen jacket, and is smoking a short pipe_.)
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Eugenia? And Mrs. Sylvester? Why, bless my soul, how nice, what a
surprise! Don't move--don't. (_Stands peering at them with his hands
over his eyes._) What a charming effect of light on your profile, Mrs.
Sylvester--how rich--how transcendental! Glorious! (_Comes down._)
Well, well, well, and so you ladies have come to pay me a visit. Can I
offer you anything?
MRS. TEMPENNY.
I called on Mrs. Tempenny to inquire whether you would dine with us
to-night, and she said she could not answer without consulting you.
MRS. TEMPENNY.
You have no engagement, Rembrandt?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
I am quite at liberty, Eugenia, quite. I shall be most pleased and
delighted. (_Aside._) Another confoundedly dull evening, I know!
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