"
Spiller saw the position and said that the young lady who he was careful
to point out was a "gentlewoman" was quite willing to appear on these
terms and so the matter was settled.
"She won't have much of a part. We're playing 'The Orphan' and all I can
give her is Serina. I've had to make shift with the young 'oman as
carries the drum and looks after the wardrobe. It's likely as the young
gentlewoman'll do as well as her, a careless, idle slut as don't know
how to speak her words decently."
Nor did Mr. Huddy, Lavinia thought. But this was nothing. The owner of a
travelling play acting booth was as a rule an illiterate showman.
"When do you rehearse 'The Orphan?'" asked Spiller.
"We're a-doing of it now. It's just over or the young gentlewoman--you
haven't told me her name----"
"Fenton--Lavinia Fenton."
"Oh, aye. I was a-going to say that if we hadn't finished Miss Fenton
might stay and get some notion of the play. Let her come
to-morrow--half-past ten, sharp, mind."
"Do you hear that, Polly?" said Spiller in an undertone.
"I shan't fail, sir, you may be sure," replied Lavinia joyfully.
Spiller knew some of the company and he introduced Lavinia to the
leading lady, Mrs. Haughton, who was to play the mournful, weeping
Monimia in Otway's dismal tragedy. But for Spiller the "star" actress
would hardly have deigned to notice the girl; as it was she received
Lavinia with affability marked by condescension.
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