“But let that voice resume,” said the delighted interruptor. And just then the veiling vapour lifted a little, and Gaveston was able to introduce himself to his hitherto invisible auditor.
“I’m Gaveston ffoulis, of Wallace.”
“And I,” said the other, “am Vivian Cosmo, St. Mary’s.”
Gaveston was thrilled.
“Is that the face that launched a thousand boats,” he quoted.
And the other made response with an answering thrill.
“And burnt the hopeless town of Ilium.”
It was an introduction, Gav felt, worthy of brother poets, and the friendship thus romantically born of vapour and song was not slow to mature. That same evening Lord Vivian Cosmo took him to dinner in the George Augustus Sala room at Kettner’s.
“Here,” he said, “linger the last enchantments of the yellow ages.” Gaveston relished to the full the fascination of the famous peer.