But in spite of the fact that Mrs. Siddons' benefit the following night was all that Mr. Blake predicted it would be, she wrote some very hard words about Dublin to her friend, Mr. Whately, of Bath. THE WAY TO KEEP HIM I Nay, sir,” cried Mrs. Abington, with such a smile of infinite witchery as she wore when Sir Joshua Reynolds painted her as 'Miss Prue;' I would not have you make any stronger love to me than is absolutely necessary to keep yourself in training for the love scenes in Dr. Goldsmith's new comedy.” “Ah, you talk glibly of measuring out the exact portion of one's love, as if love were a physic to be doled out to the precise grain,” cried Lee Lewis, impatiently turning away from the fascinating lady who was smiling archly at him over the back of her chair. “By my faith, sir, you have e'en given the best description of love that I have heard;'t is beyond doubt a physic, given to mankind to cure many of the ills of life; but, la, sir! there are so many quacks about,'t is well-nigh impossible to obtain the genuine thing.” And once more the actress smiled at her latest victim. “I have often wondered if you ever knew what love means,” said he. “Indeed the same thought has frequently occurred to me, sir,” said the actress. “When one has been offered the nostrums of quacks so often, one begins to lose faith in the true prescription.” “You think that I am a quack, and therefore have no faith in me,” said Lewis. “I know that you are an excellent actor, Mr. Lewis.” “And therefore you suspect my truth?” “Nay, I respect your art.” “Perish my art, so long as I gain the favour of the most adorable woman who ever flitted like a vision of beauty--” “Ah, sir, do not take advantage of my lack of memory; give me the title of the comedy from which you quote, so that I may know my cue, and have my reply ready.” Lewis flung himself across the room with an exclamation of impatience. “You are the most cruel woman that lives,” he cried. “I have often left this house vowing that I would never come nigh it again because of your cruelty.” “What a terrible vengeance!” cried the actress, raising her hands, while a mock expression of terror came over her face. “You would fain prove yourself the most cruel of men because you account me the most cruel of women? Ah, sir, you are ungenerous; I am but a poor weak creature, while you--” “I am weak enough to be your slave, but let me tell you, madam, I am quite strong enough to throw off your bonds should I fail to be treated with some consideration,” said Lewis. “Oh, so far as I am concerned you may take your freedom to-morrow,” laughed Mrs. Abington. “The fetters that I weave are of silken thread.” “I would rather wear your fetters, though they be of iron, than those of the next loveliest woman to you, though hers should be a chain of roses,” said the actor. “Come, now, my dear lady, listen to reason.”