“I cannot say. I have nothing to do except with her theatrical business. She will make more by that than she ever made at play.”
“What, is she tip-top?”
“The most rising singer in Europe.”
“I should like to see her.”
“That you can easily do. She sings tonight. I'll pass you in.”
“You are a good fellow. Have a bit of supper with me afterward. Bottle of fizz.”
These two might be compared to a couple of spiders, each taking the other for a fly. Smith was enchanted with Ina's singing, or pretended. Ashmead was delighted with him, or pretended.
“Introduce me to her,” said Smith.
“I dare not do that. You are not professional, are you?”
“No, but you can say I am, for a lark.”