“That is where Mr. Garrick made a mistake, child,” said Peggy. “And I mean to repair his error. The choice of dresses lies with me, Miss Hoppner.” “I have yet to be made aware of that, madam.” said Miss Hoppner. Her voice had a note of shrillness in it, and Garrick, who was standing apart, noticed that her colour had risen with her voice. He became greatly interested in these manifestations of a spirit beyond that which she had displayed when rehearsing the tragedy. “The sooner you are made aware of it, the better it will be for all concerned,” said Mrs. Woffington, with a deadly smile. “I make bold to assure you, madam, that I shall be instructed on this point by Mr. Garrick and Mr. Garrick only,” said the other, raising her chin an inch or two higher than she was wont, except under great provocation. “I care not whom you make your instructor, provided that you receive the instruction,” sneered Peggy. “Mr. Garrick,” cried Miss Hoppner, “I beg that you will exercise your authority. You assigned to me the brocade, did you not, sir?” “And I affirm that the brocade will be more suitably worn by me, sir,” said Peggy. “And I further affirm that I mean to wear it, Mr. Garrick.” “I would fain hope that the caprice of a vain woman will not be permitted to have force against every reasonable consideration,” said Miss Hoppner, elevating her chin by another inch as she glanced out of the corners of her eyes in the direction of the other actress. “That is all I ask for, madam; and as we are so agreed, I presume that you will hand me over the gown without demur.” “Yours is the caprice, madam, let me tell you. I have right on my side.” “And I shall have the brocade on mine by way of compensation, my dear lady.” “Ladies!” cried Garrick, interposing, “I must beg of you not to embarrass me. 'T is a small matter--this of dress, and one that should not make a disagreement between ladies of talent. If one is a good actress, one can move an audience without so paltry an auxiliary as a yard or two of silk.” “I will not pay Miss Hoppner so poor a compliment as would be implied by the suggestion that she needs the help of a silk brocade to eke out her resources as an actress,” said Peggy. “I ask not for compliments from Mrs. Woffington. The brocade was assigned to me, and--” “It would be ungenerous to take advantage of Mr. Garrick's error, madam.” “It was no error, Mrs. Woffington.” “What! you would let all the world know that Mr. Garrick's opinion was that you stood in need of a showy gown to conceal the defects of your art?” “You are insolent, Mrs. Woffington!” “Nay, nay, my dear ladies; let's have no more of this recrimination over a question of rags. It is unworthy of you,” said Garrick.