Audrey

The schoolmaster fingered the scars in his bands, as was his manner at

times, but kept his eyes upon the ground. When he spoke, there was in his

voice unwonted life. "Why, sir, I could have said with Lear, 'Hysterica

passio! down, thou climbing sorrow!'--and I am not a man, sir, that's

easily moved. The girl is greatly gifted. I knew that before either you or

the town, sir. Audrey, good-morrow!"

Such as these from out her old life Darden's Audrey saw and talked with.

Others sought her, watched for her, laid traps that might achieve at least

her presence, but largely in vain. She kept within the house; when the

knocker sounded she went to her own room. No flowery message, compliment,

or appeal, not even Mary Stagg's kindly importunity, could bring her from

that coign of vantage. There were times when Mistress Stagg's showroom was

crowded with customers; on sunny days young men left the bowling green to

stroll in the shell-bordered garden paths; gentlemen and ladies of quality

passing up and down Palace Street walked more slowly when they came to the

small white house, and looked to see if the face of Darden's Audrey showed

at any window.

Thus the winter wore away. The springtime was at hand, when one day the

Governor, wrought upon by Mistress Evelyn Byrd, sent to Mr. Stagg, bidding

him with his wife and the new player to the Palace. The three, dressed in

their best, were ushered into the drawing-room, where they found his

Excellency at chess with the Attorney-General; a third gentleman, seated

somewhat in the shadow, watching the game. A servant placed, chairs for

the people from the theatre. His Excellency checkmated his antagonist,

and, leaning back in his great chair, looked at Darden's Audrey, but

addressed his conversation to Mr. Charles Stagg. The great man was

condescendingly affable, the lesser one obsequious; while they talked the

gentleman in the shadow arose and drew his chair to Audrey's side. 'Twas

Colonel Byrd, and he spoke to the girl kindly and courteously; asking

after her welfare, giving her her meed of praise, dwelling half humorously

upon the astonishment and delight into which she had surprised the

play-loving town. Audrey listened with downcast eyes to the suave tones,

the well-turned compliments, but when she must speak spoke quietly and

well.

At last the Governor turned toward her, and began to ask well-meant

questions and to give pompous encouragement to the new player. No

reference was made to that other time when she had visited the Palace. A

servant poured for each of the three a glass of wine. His Excellency

graciously desired that they shortly give 'Tamerlane' again, that being a

play which, as a true Whig and a hater of all tyrants, he much delighted

in, and as graciously announced his intention of bestowing upon the

company two slightly tarnished birthday suits. The great man then arose,

and the audience was over.