_Imogen._
And then?
_Rose._
Then Arthur managed to get acquainted with the Telfers, and Mrs. Telfer
presented him to me. Mrs. Telfer has kept an eye on me all through. Not
that it was necessary, brought up as I was--but she's a kind old soul.
_Imogen._
And now you're going to live with his people for a time, aren't you?
_Rose._
Yes--on approval.
_Imogen._
Ha, ha, ha I you don't mean that!
_Rose._
Well, in a way--just to reassure them, as they put it. The Gowers have
such odd ideas about theatres, and actors and actresses.
_Imogen._
Do you think you'll like the arrangement?
_Rose._
It 'll only be for a little while. I fancy they're prepared to take to
me, especially Miss Trafalgar Gower----
_Imogen._
Trafalgar!
_Rose._
Sir William's sister; she was born Trafalgar year, and christened after
it--
[_Mrs. Mossop and Ablett enter, carrying trays on which are a pile of
plates and various dishes of Cold food--a joint, a chicken and a tongue,
a ham, a pigeon pie, etc. They proceed to set out the dishes upon the
table._]
_Imogen._
[_Cheerfully._] Well, God bless you, my dear. I'm afraid I couldn't give
up the stage though, not for all the Arthurs----
_Rose._
Ah, your mother wasn't an actress.
_Imogen._
No.
_Rose._
Mine was, and I remember her saying to me once, "Rose, if ever you have
the chance, get out of it."
_Imogen._
The Profession?
_Rose._
Yes. "Get out of it," mother said; "if ever a good man comes along, and
offers to marry you and to take you off the stage, seize the chance--get
out of it."
_Imogen._
Your mother was never popular, was she?
_Rose._
Yes, indeed she was, most popular--till she grew oldish and lost her
looks.
_Imogen._
Oh, _that's_ what she meant, then?
_Rose._
Yes, that's what she meant.
_Imogen._
[_Shivering._] Oh, lor', doesn't it make one feel depressed.
Poor mother!
_Rose._
Well, I hope she sees.
_Mrs. Mossop._
Now, ladies and gentlemen, everything is prepared, and I do trust to
your pleasure and satisfaction.
_Telfer._
Ladies and gentlemen, I beg you to be seated, [_There is a general
movement._] Miss Trelawny will sit 'ere, on my right. On my left, my
friend Mr. Glower will sit. Next to Miss Trelawny--who will sit beside
Miss Trelawny?
_Gadd. and Colpoys._