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ROSALINE.
I say, where is your friend?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Who?
ROSALINE.
Didn't you say this studio belonged to a friend of yours?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Oh yes; he hasn't come yet. I expect he will be here this afternoon.
ROSALINE.
What's this? (_picking up Mandarin's Wig_.) One of his props?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
That? That is a Mandarin's wig. Yes, of course it is one of his props.
He has just been engaged on a great work: "The Decapitation of a Mandarin after a Chinese Reverse." The gentleman who sat for the Mandarin wore that wig.
ROSALINE.
What a funny subject to choose.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Rather playful, isn't it? He likes 'em like that. That's his forte.
ROSALINE.
What is his name--do I know him?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Charlie Sylvester; and a rattling good chap he is, let me tell you.
ROSALINE (_with a shriek_).
Oh, my heart! This is fate!
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_alarmed_.)
I beg your pardon? Don't go off like that. What's the matter?
ROSALINE.
It is _He_--_He_ who--! Oh, I am going to faint.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
No,--no, for goodness' sake, don't do that. What do you mean by "he?"
Here, I say, compose yourself.
ROSALINE.
It is the man I love. The finger of Fate is in it. Where is he? Bring him to me! Charlie, my own!
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_very fl.u.s.tered_).
Oh I say--look here, you know--? (_Aside_.) This is the devil and all--Charlie will never forgive me! (_Aloud_.) My dear good girl, he _isn't_ your "own," I a.s.sure you he isn't. There is a Mrs. Sylvester, as you know very well. (_Aside_.) If he comes in and finds her here, there's an end of all my sittings. What a piece of infernal luck to be sure!
ROSALINE _(resolutely)._
Where is he?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_sullenly_).
I don't know--I suppose he is at home.
ROSALINE.
Fetch him then--let me see his dear face again.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
What???
ROSALINE.
Bring him to me--now, this instant! We have been divided too long already.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
You have, have you?
ROSALINE.
Far, far too long.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
I must humour her. (_Aloud_.) Well, perhaps you _have_, on second thoughts. Yes, it is a long time.
ROSALINE.
