The two friends communed till two o'clock in the morning: but the limits of my tale forbid me to repeat what passed.
Suffice it to say that Rhoda was fairly puzzled by the situation; but, having a great regard for Vizard, saw clearly enough that he ought to be sent back to Islip. She thought that perhaps the very sight of her would wound his pride, and, finding his mania discovered by a third person, he would go of his own accord: so she called on him.
My lord received her with friendly composure, and all his talk was about Islip. He did not condescend to explain his presence at Carlisle. He knew that qui s'excuse s'accuse, and left her to remonstrate. She had hardly courage for that, and hoped it might be unnecessary.
She told Ina what she had done. But her visit was futile: at night there was Vizard in his box.
Next day the company opened in Manchester. Vizard was in his box there—Severne in front, till Ina's principal song. Then he came round and presented his bouquet. But this time he came up to Rhoda Gale, and asked her whether a penitent man might pay his respects to her in the morning.
She said she believed there were very few penitents in the world.
“I know one,” said he.
“Well, I don't, then,” said the virago. “But you can come, if you are not afraid.”
Of course Ina Klosking knew of this appointment two minutes after it was made. She merely said, “Do not let him talk you over.”
“He is not so likely to talk me over as you,” said Rhoda.