“Ha! you had better be careful. I am very jealous;” but he was laughing.
“Yes,” continued the other. “I can manage acting with the exact ease and precision with which you can manage it yourself.”
“Well, let me see some of your acting,” remarked Genius, “so that I may judge of your opinion of yourself.”
“I shall be only too delighted. Now, as you know, Deborah is coming to bed in a few moments.”
“Yes, I am waiting for that. It is then that the real teaching begins, the only kind she truly appreciates.”
“But for all that you do not monopolise the whole of her attention. Deborah has some little regard for her father.”
“A very strong affection,” affirmed Genius.
“As you will, but please do not look so serious. The thing I am going to show you is purely farcical.”
“Plucritus,” said Virginius, speaking for the first time, “I must ask you to leave this alone; the child is not old enough to fight the battle.”
“Fight it yourself then. What else are you here for?” he answered.