“You have it,” was the reply.
“Madam, I don't understand your answer,” said Sir Charles, stiffly.
“I can't find you answers and understandings, too,” was the lady-like reply. “You must beat my answer into your understanding while I beat this man's verse into mine.
'And like the birds, etc.'”
Pomander recovered himself a little; he laughed with quiet insolence. “Tell me,” said he, “do you really refuse?”
“My good soul,” said Mrs. Woffington, “why this surprise! Are you so ignorant of the stage and the world as not to know that I refuse such offers as yours every week of my life?”
“I know better,” was the cool reply. She left it unnoticed.
“I have so many of these,” continued she, “that I have begun to forget they are insults.”
At this word the button broke off Sir Charles's foil.
“Insults, madam! They are the highest compliments you have left it in our power to pay you.”