Thus he ran on, apparently in emulation of Tennyson's brook, and Evarne had nothing to do but look intelligent, and interpose a brief question occasionally to show that she was attending.
He only ceased when the door opened to admit a little woman who had approached unheard. The newcomer was very pale, and looked fragile and subdued. Her thin hair was drawn neatly behind her ears, her shabby black gown hung in folds over her flat chest, and she slouched in list slippers so many sizes too large that had she ventured to lift her feet in walking, she would inevitably have stepped out of her footgear, and left it behind her on the floor.
"Ah ha! Allow me to introduce my wife," said Mr. Punter.
Evarne rose and shook hands.
"How do you like your part?" was the salutation of the lady of the house.
The girl discreetly avoided a direct answer.
"It has made me very anxious to hear the whole play."
Fortunately the little woman considered this response as entirely satisfactory. She smiled complacently, and commenced to nod her head so steadily, it appeared in danger of becoming loosened.
Mr. Punter likewise seemed to swell with pride. At length he could keep the great secret no longer.
"I may as well tell you first as last, Miss Stornway. You are now addressing the authoress of 'Caledonia's Bard.'"