"_Dear me, how surprisingly your voice has strengthened since I last
heard you sing_;" _i.e._, "Roars like a town-bull, and fancies himself a
LABLACHE!"
"_I saw quite a ring round your picture at the Academy to-day_;" _i.e._,
"If only he had heard them laugh!"
"_Won't you stop and have some lunch?_" _i.e._, "Couldn't help asking
him, as the confounded luncheon-bell rang a peal; but if he has any
manners or consideration he'll say, 'No, thank you,' and go."
"_I know your face so well--but I am such a bad hand at names_;" _i.e._,
"Never saw him before in my life!"
"_Pray allow me to get it_;" _i.e._, "Catch me moving!"
"_You know you can trust me implicitly_;" _i.e.,_ "May be a good story
to tell."
"_He has such wonderful wit_;" _i.e._, "An unfailing flow of rudeness
which he calls repartee."
"_Rather satirical, yes: but she has marvellous insight into
character_;" _i.e._, "She has been complimenting _me_."