"Oh! the Alhambra isn't a bad place," said Sir Mark, good naturedly; "the ballets are very good."
"It's more than the young women are," retorted Mrs. Pellypop, viciously; "I would not like the Bishop to go there."
"No," said Carmela, with a laugh; "it's hardly the place for a bishop."
"I'm sorry you don't like theatres," began Ronald, to the matron, "but----"
"I do like some theatres," answered Mrs. Pellypop; "and any play of Shakespeare's."
"Ah! you see, they aren't playing Shakespeare just now," said Ronald, dryly; "but I've got a box at the Frivolity to-night, and thought the ladies might like to come," looking straight at Carmela.
Everyone looked grave at this. The Frivolity was such a fast theatre.
"You don't know London very well," said Vassalla, in a sarcastic tone of voice, "or you would find out that the Frivolity is as bad, if not worse, than many a music-hall."
"Oh, I've erred through ignorance, then," retorted Ronald, with a flush, "but I don't think music halls are so very bad; and besides, as far as I can judge, your acquaintance with London is not so extensive as to enable you to correct me, Marchese."
Vassalla would have made an angry reply had not Carmela interposed.