“I have often wondered if you ever knew what love means,” said he.
“Indeed the same thought has frequently occurred to me, sir,” said the actress. “When one has been offered the nostrums of quacks so often, one begins to lose faith in the true prescription.”
“You think that I am a quack, and therefore have no faith in me,” said Lewis.
“I know that you are an excellent actor, Mr. Lewis.”
“And therefore you suspect my truth?”
“Nay, I respect your art.”
“Perish my art, so long as I gain the favour of the most adorable woman who ever flitted like a vision of beauty—”
“Ah, sir, do not take advantage of my lack of memory; give me the title of the comedy from which you quote, so that I may know my cue, and have my reply ready.”
Lewis flung himself across the room with an exclamation of impatience.
“You are the most cruel woman that lives,” he cried. “I have often left this house vowing that I would never come nigh it again because of your cruelty.”