Stella. But the play was your selection; and you were very perfect in the part of “Raphael.”
Festus. Well, I selected what I thought I should most excel in.
Stella. You excel in love-making! That’s good. But I must say, you act it well.
Festus. Yes—that is—I think that circumstances—occurring—which would make—circumstances—perfectly—that is, I mean to say that—circumstances—indeed—what were you saying?
Stella. Ha, ha, ha! O mighty Festus! you’ve lost your place; but, as you have a partiality for love-scenes, what is your next?
Festus. What say you to a scene from “The Hunchback”? “The secretary of my lord”? You know the scene,—“Julia” and “Sir Thomas Clifford.”
Stella. Oh, yes! I am familiar with it; but I think, as an applicant for a situation, you are making me perform more than my share of work.
Festus. Oh! if you object—
Stella. Oh! but I don’t object. Proceed. (Sits, l. of table. Festus exits, l.)
SCENE FROM “THE HUNCHBACK.”