“You refused to talk to me.” “I had my part to perform.” “That is no excuse.” “Besides, sir,” added the young woman, surveying Mr. Effingham with an indifferent glance, “I know you only very slightly.” “Know me only slightly!” said Mr. Effingham affecting surprise. “A chance meeting is very slight acquaintance, sir; but I offer this as no apology for refusing to do what I am now doing, converse with you on the stage.” “Really, one would say you were a queen speaking to a subject instead of an actress--” “Honored with the attentions of a gentleman, you would add, sir,” she interrupted, quite calmly. “As you please.” “Pray speak to me no more, sir. I forget my part, and the audience are looking at you.” “Let them.” “I see some angry faces,” said the young woman; “they do not understand the fashions of London, sir.” “What care I.” “Please release my sleeve, sir--that is my line.” The gallery uttered a prolonged hiss as _Portia_ disengaged her arm. Mr. Effingham turned around and looked up to the gallery from which the hiss came; this glance of haughty defiance might have provoked another exhibition of the same sort, but _Portia_ at that moment commenced her speech. Thereafter the young woman came no more near Mr. Effingham, and treated that gentleman’s moody glances with supreme disregard. What was going on in Mr. Effingham’s mind, and why did he lose some of his careless listlessness, when, clasping her beautiful hands, the lovely girl, raising her eyes to heaven like one of the old Italian pictures, uttered that sublime discourse on the “quality of mercy”; and how did it happen that she sobbed, almost, in that tender, magical voice: But mercy is above this sceptered sway; It is enthroned in the hearts of kings; It is an attribute of God himself. How did it chance that Mr. Effingham led the enthusiastic applause and absolutely arose erect in the excess of his enthusiasm? As she passed him in going out he made her a low bow and said, “Pardon me! You are a great actress.” The play proceeded and ended amid universal applause. Mr. Hallam led out _Portia_ in response to uproarious calls, and thanked the audience for their kindness to his daughter. Beatrice received the applause with her habitual calmness, inclining her head slightly as she disappeared, and the audience separated, rolling well pleased to their homes.[21]