"Oh, yes; quite sure. But tell me with whom—how should I guess?"
"Why, with the leading actress; one Clarissa Lambert, is it not?"
"Clarissa—Lambert!"
"Why, Claire, what is the matter? Are you faint?" For my love had turned deathly pale, and seemed as though she would faint indeed.
We were in the old spot so often revisited, though the leaves were yellowing fast, and the blackbird's note had long ceased utterly. I placed my arm around her for support, but my darling unlocked it after a moment, struggled with her pallor, and said—
"No, no; I am better. It was a little faintness, but is passing off. Go on, and tell me about Mr. Loveday."
"I am afraid I bored you. But that is all. Do you know this Clarissa Lambert? Have you seen her?"
"Yes—I have seen her."
"I suppose she is very famous; at least, Tom says so. He also says she is divine; but I expect, from his description, that she is of the usual stamp of Tragedy Queen, tall and loud, with a big voice."
"Did he tell you that?"