She was pleased to hear that Huddy had praised her.
"If he asks you to join his company, don't you refuse," said Mrs.
Egleton. "He's got a rough tongue when he's put out, but he knows his
business. Three months' experience will do wonders. I must come and see
you on _the_ night. When is it to be?"
Lavinia said she hadn't the least idea.
"Oh, well, you'll soon know."
Mrs. Egleton was right. In the next issue of the _Daily Post_ appeared
this advertisement:--
"At the desire of several persons of quality for the benefit of Mr.
Huddy, at the New Theatre in the Haymarket. To-morrow being
Thursday, the 24th day of February, will be presented a tragedy
called 'The Orphan; or, the Unhappy Marriage,' written by the late
Mr. Otway, with a new prologue to be spoken by Mr. Roger, who plays
the part of Chamont. The part of Acasto by Mr. Huddy; Monimia, Mrs.
Haughton; the page, Miss Tollet; and the part of Serina by a
gentlewoman who never appear'd on any stage before. With singing in
Italian and English by Mrs. Fitzgerald. And the original trumpet
song of sound fame, as set to musick by Mr. Henry Purcel, to be
performed by Mr. Amesbury."
Lavinia read this over twice and thrilled with delight. She ran with the
paper to Mrs. Egleton.
"Mercy on me, child!" cried the actress. "So you're a gentlewoman, are
you?"
"The paper says I am, so I suppose it's true," said Lavinia, casting
down her eyes demurely.
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