"It is a fanciful and mournful ditty," said Parnassus, "but the tune is good."
"It is, indeed, somewhat melancholy," said McGuilp. "Have you no other, Helen?"
"I did but bargain for one," said the girl, smiling.
"True," said McGuilp, "and now you want to hear one from me, eh?"
"Precisely so," said Mr. Oldstone. "Keep him to his word, Helen. Don't let him shirk off."
"Now, Mr. McGuilp," said several voices at once, "we are all waiting."
"Well, gentlemen," began the painter, "if you will permit me to retire——"
"Retire!—Oh, nonsense!" exclaimed Oldstone, Crucible, and others simultaneously. "Why you never mean to back out after having——"
"No, gentlemen, nothing of the sort, I assure you," said our artist, "I was only going to ask leave of the company to retire a moment to my chamber to bring down an article indispensable to the song I am about to sing."
"I believe he is going to sing in costume," said Mr. Blackdeed, "and that he is going in search of some 'property.'"