I've promised C----' (he named a well-known actor-manager in London) 'to help him with the production of a new play! I never did such a thing before--but--' He looked up uncertainly, his colour rising.
'What ?--scenery for _The Queen's Necklace ?_ I've seen the puffs in the papers.

Why not?
Hope he pays well.

Then you're going to Versailles, of course ?' Fenwick replied that he had taken some rooms at the Hotel des Reservoirs and must make some sketches in the palace; also in the park, and the Trianon garden.

Then he rose abruptly.
'Well, and what have you been after ?' 'The same old _machines_,' said Watson, tranquilly, pointing to a couple of large canvases.

'My subjects are no gayer than they used to be.