"That I confess I've forgotten. Besides, she wasn't an actress then. What I mean is that Biddy wasn't particularly pleased with her."
"Why she thought her wonderful—praised her to the sides. I remember that."
"She didn't like her as a woman; she praised her as an actress."
"I thought you said she wasn't an actress then," Nick returned.
Peter had a pause. "Oh Biddy thought so. She has seen her since, moreover. I took her the other night, and her curiosity's satisfied."
"It's not of any consequence, and if there's a reason for it I'll bundle her off directly," Nick made haste to say. "But the great Miriam seems such a kind, good person."
"So she is, charming, charming,"—and his visitor looked hard at him.
"Here comes Biddy now," Nick went on. "I hear her at the door: you can warn her yourself."
"It isn't a question of 'warning'—that's not in the least my idea. But I'll take Biddy away," said Peter.
"That will be still more energetic."