_isn't_ your "own," I assure you he isn't. There is a Mrs. Sylvester,
as you know very well. (_Aside_.) If he comes in and finds her here,
there's an end of all my sittings. What a piece of infernal luck to be
sure!
ROSALINE _(resolutely)._
Where is he?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_sullenly_).
I don't know--I suppose he is at home.
ROSALINE.
Fetch him then--let me see his dear face again.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
What???
ROSALINE.
Bring him to me--now, this instant! We have been divided too long
already.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
You have, have you?
ROSALINE.
Far, far too long.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
I must humour her. (_Aloud_.) Well, perhaps you _have_, on second
thoughts. Yes, it is a long time.
ROSALINE.
I have never forgotten him. I have always treasured his memory in my
soul.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_soothingly_).
That was very nice of you. You are a very nice girl--I saw it at once.
ROSALINE.
_He_ used to say that--he used to call me his "Toppett."
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
His little "Toppett?" It is a pretty name, and I am sure he will be
delighted to find you here, when he comes. It will be a surprise for
him, won't it; quite a surprise! (_Aside_.) A perfect devil of a
surprise!
ROSALINE.
For all he knows I might be dead--dead with the violets blooming over
my tomb.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Yes, yes,--buttercups and daisies. (_Aside_.) I shall get the giddy
push from here when he does come; I see it sticking out a foot.
(_Aloud_.) I say, Poppett--I mean "Rosaline," do you feel equal to
going on with the sitting till he arrives?
ROSALINE (_passively_).
As you please--I must live.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside._)
It is doubtful whether Sylvester will see it in the same light.
(_Aloud_.) Well, then, suppose you take up your position again.
(_He poses her with much difficulty, as each time he places her arms in
the required attitude, she moves to wipe away a tear_).
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
There, now we've got it at last. (_He goes back to the easel, and
commences to work_).
ROSALINE.
(_Bursting into sobs, and collapsing altogether_.) Boo--hoo--hoo!
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