"Champagne has more than that to answer for. Suppose I did at one time admire the little woman's antics on and off the stage, what then? Has she sent you to me for a certificate of character? Eyesight all right? No Colorado gold nor Arizona diamonds for her; and she is sound in wind. I will back her to talk scandal against any three damsels you know. The Duke of C—— is not going to be divorced to marry her? No dissension, I hope, in a certain household?"
"You talk coolly enough now, old fellow!" said Brown. "Other times, other opinions. She was the queen of burlesque a short year ago, and her dancing some one not a mile off thought more graceful than Kate Vaughan's!"
"This is evidently the dull season, and you are hard up for subjects to speak about," said I. "Does Hughes run his horse at Sandown?"
"I don't know. But I say, Jack, you are not bad friends with Pattie?"
"Bother Pattie! Has the world taken a fit to revolve round her? Or is it a case of Miss Hastings on the brain? Pulse too rapid, head hot, skin too dry, feverish very; hold out your tongue, and let me prescribe for you."
"I see," said Brown, "you are in one of your 'waiting-to-be-fed' moods; it is no good asking a favour."
"You have confined your observations to Miss Hastings since you entered the room, permit me to observe. When I hear what the request is I may be able to answer. The money market, however, is tight."
"It is not money," said Brown. "I want you to come to Liverpool with me."
"To Liverpool!" said I. "Why not San Francisco? In queer street, eh? Pressing business abroad, I suppose?"
"Bosh!" said Brown. "Pattie Hastings is taking her troupe to America, and I am going to Liverpool to see her off. I wish you would come—she will be delighted."