The strangeness of her manner would have been observed by any one not utterly absorbed by that sublime egotism called love; but Valentine and Charlotte were so absorbed, and had no idea that Miss Paget was anything but the most delightful and amusing of companions.
They had taken more than one turn in the broad avenue, when Charlotte asked Mr.Hawkehurst some question about a piece which was speedily to be played at one of the theatres.
"I do so much want to see this new French actress," she said.

"Do you think there is any possibility of obtaining orders, Mr.Hawkehurst?
You know what a dislike Mr.Sheldon has to paying for admission to a theatre, and my pocket-money was exhausted three weeks ago, or I wouldn't think of giving you any trouble about it." Philosophers have observed that in the life of the plainest woman there is one inspired moment in which she becomes beautiful.

Perhaps it is when she is asking a favour of some masculine victim--for women have a knack of looking their prettiest on such occasions.

Charlotte Halliday's pleading glance and insinuating tone were irresistible.
Valentine would have given a lien on every shilling of his three thousand pounds rather than disappoint her, if gold could purchase the thing she craved.

It happened fortunately that his occasional connection with the newspapers made it tolerably easy for him to obtain free admissions to theatres.
"Do not speak of the trouble; there will be no trouble.