s
and was come up ready to go on the stage. Nina looked a little
self-conscious when she first encountered him in this attire; perhaps
she was afraid of his contrasting her appearance with that of Miss
Burgoyne. If he did, it was certainly not to Nina's disadvantage. No;
Nina was much more distinguished-looking and refined than the pert
little doll-like bride represented by Miss Burgoyne; she wore the
gorgeous costume of flowered white satin with ease and grace; and her
portentous white wig, with its feathered brilliants and strings of
pearls, seemed to add a greater depth and softness and mild lustre to
her dark, expressive eyes. For an instant, as she came up to him, those
beautiful, liquid eyes were turned to the ground.

"I did not choose anything, Leo," she said, modestly; "I have had to
copy Miss Burgoyne."

"Well, there's a difference somehow, Nina," said he, "and I think Miss
Burgoyne had better begin and copy you."

For a swift instant she raised her eyes; she was more than pleased. But
she said nothing--indeed, she had now to go on the stage. And if he had
contrasted her appearance favorably with that of Miss Burgoyne, he was
now inclined to give a similar verdict with regard to her acting. It
certainly wanted the self-confidence of long experience and also the
emphasis and exaggeration of comedy-opera; it was not nearly impudent
enough for the upper gallery; but it was graceful and natural to a
degree that surprised him. As for her voice, that was incomparably
better than Miss Burgoyne's; it was a fresh, sympathetic, finely
modulated voice that had been uninjured by excessive training or
excessive work. Lionel was quite proud of his _protegee_; unseen, here
in the wings, he could applaud as loudly as any; if Nina did not hear,
she must have been deaf. And when she came off at the end of the
act--or, rather, immediately after the recall, which was as enthusiastic
as the soul of actor or actress could desire--there was no stint to his
praise; and Nina's heartfelt pleasure on hearing this warm commendation
shone through all her stage make-up. He asked if he should wait to act
as escort to Miss Girond and herself; but Nina said no; Miss Girond and
she went home every night by themselves in a four-wheeled cab; she knew
he must be tired after his long journey; and he must go away and get to
bed at once. So Lionel shook hands with her and left the theatre, and
walked carelessly and absently home to his lodgings i