Mrs. Haughton was a
"star," who did not care to associate with strolling players.
Lavinia left the theatre in the seventh heaven of delight. Everything
she had wished for was coming to pass. She longed for the evening. She
saw herself telling the wonderful tale of her good luck to Lancelot. She
was sure of his warm sympathy and she pictured to herself his smile and
the ardent look in his eyes.
Spiller suggested a walk in the Mall so that he might give the novice a
few practical hints. Huddy had handed Lavinia her part written out, but
it did not tell her much, as everything the other characters in the play
had to say was omitted and only the cues for Serina left.
"Just sixteen lines you've got to learn. That won't give you much
trouble. I'll show you how to say them. Don't forget to listen for the
cues and come in at the proper place."
The lesson did not take long. Lavinia soon had a grasp of the character
(Serina figures in the play as a bit of padding and has very little to
do); her articulation was clear and she could modulate her voice
prettily. Spiller said she would do very well, and wishing her good
luck, took his departure and left her in St. James's Park.
He could not have done Lavinia a better turn. Rosamond's Pond was at the
south-west corner of the Park and Rosamond's Pond was in Lavinia's mind.
It had occurred to her that Lancelot had not fixed any particular spot
as the place of meeting.
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