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The stranger dropt her eyes, but Miss Bydel, not comprehending that Ireton meant two initial letters, said, "Elless? Well I see no reason why any body should be ashamed to own their name is Elless."
Selina, tittering, would have cleared up the mistake; but Ireton, laughing yet more heartily, made her a sign to let it pass.
Miss Bydel continued: "I don't want to ask any of your secrets, as I say, Mrs. Elless, for I understand you don't like to tell them ; but it will be discovering no great matter, to let me know whether your friends are abroad, or in England? and what way you were maintained before you got your passage over in Mrs. Maple's boat."
"Don't let that young person go," cried Miss Arbe, who had now finished the labours of her theatrical presidency, "till I have heard her play and sing. If she is so clever, as you describe her, she shall perform between the acts."
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