We shall just be in time to see Lalage Virtue in the burlesque; andlook here!

The rattling of the cab silenced Conolly; but his companion persisted for some time in describing the burlesque to which they were going, and particularly the attractions of Mademoiselle Lalage Virtue, who enacted a principal character therein, and with whom he seemed to be in love.

He forgot it on hearing the voice of Lalage Virtue, who was at that moment singing within; and he went to his stall with his eyes turned to the stage, treading on toes and stumbling as children commonly do when they walk in one direction and look in another.

He took it, and leveled it at Mademoiselle Lalage, who was singing some trivial couplets much better than they deserved.

But as the burlesque went on, Mademoiselle Lalage charmed away this disagreeable impression.

It is the same with Lalage there.

" "And you actually think that this Lalage Virtue is as respectable a woman as your cousin?" "Oh, I dont bother myself about it.

I'll introduce you to Lalage.

" "Are you privileged to introduce whom you like to Miss Lalage?"

By the bye, you must understand, if you dont know it already, that Lalage is as correct in her morals as a bishop's wife.

We were not exactly drunk; but we were not particularly sober either; and I was very green at that time, and made a fool of myself about Lalage: staring; clapping like a madman in the middle of her songs; getting into the way of everybody and everything, and so on.

It was Lalage who did this while the rest were gaping helplessly.

"Aha! Here is Miss Lalage again.

Lind, puzzled, turned toward his companion, and found him smiling maliciously at Mademoiselle Lalage, who recovered her vivacity with an effort, and continued her part with more nervousness than he had ever seen her display before.

Presently they came upon Lalage.

" "As I have never tried to meddle with your private affairs," said Marmaduke to Lalage, "I need not apologize for not knowing your husband.

"Why," said Mademoiselle Lalage fiercely, raising her voice, "what else did you think?" "Hush," said Conolly, "we are talking too much in this crowd.

"Well, Mr. Lind," said Conolly, "what do you think of Mademoiselle Lalage now?"

" When they alighted, Lalage hurried into the restaurant; scrutinized the tables; and selected the best lighted one.

"Look here, Lalage: the honest truth is that I shall be ruined if I marry you openly.

Here you are: 'Lalage Virtue as Madame Dubarry'" "Is that at the top?" "Yes."

'Lalage Virtue as Madame Dubarry.

Lalage Virtue as the Dubarry.

Lalage Virtue as la belle Jeanneton.'

Lalage Virtue has failed here completely.