"Portia and Bassanio. He has just got that letter, you know."
"What letter?"
"Why, Antonio's letter. Oh, don't you know the story? Bassanio was Antonio's friend, and Oh, dear, it is a long story, Daisy. You must read it."
"But what is the picture about?"
"This: Bassanio has just this minute been married to Portia, the loveliest lady in all the world; that he knew of; and now comes a letter, just that minute, telling him that his dear friend Antonio is in great danger of being cut to pieces through the wickedness of a fellow that he had borrowed money from. And the money had been borrowed for Bassanio, to set him up for his courtship so no wonder he feels rather bad."
"Does she know?"
"No; she is just asking what is the matter. That will be a capital picture."
"But you couldn't stand and look like that," said Daisy.
"I shall not," said Preston, "but Hamilton Rush will. I shall give it to him. And let me see for Portia that Fish girl cannot do it, she is not clever enough. It will have to be Theresa Stanfield."
"I should like to see anybody look like that," said Daisy.