Within the space of an hour and a quarter Annette had learned that the young man's name was Alan Beverley
She was so used to hearing Sellers lash the Philistine and hold forth on unappreciated merit that she could hardly believe the miracle when, in answer to a sympathetic bromide on the popular lack of taste in Art, Beverley replied that, as far as he was concerned, the public showed strong good sense.
'But those songs you've been playing,' said Beverley, 'they've been published?'
'Give me their names,' said Beverley, 'and I'll go round tomorrow and shoot the whole lot.
'Don't rub it in,' pleaded Beverley. 'It isn't fair.
'Well,' said Beverley, rising, 'you know where I am if I'm wanted.
In the studio with Beverley she found Reginald Sellers, standing in a critical attitude before the easel.
'My dear Beverley,' said Sellers, rather stiffly, 'I am merely endeavouring to give you my idea of the picture's defects.
'That kind of cat wouldn't,' said Beverley. 'It isn't that breed.'
FELICITY, FAILING TO SEE THE STORY GIRL AND
BEVERLEY EXCHANGING WINKS BEHIND HER BACK:--"It certainly is, though SOME PEOPLE were so opposed to starting it.")
"Is a hairless infant to raise his tongue against me, when I have sung in every fair from Tweed to Trent, and have twice been named aloud by the High Court of the Minstrels at
Beverley? I shall sing no more to-night."