Wilkins took a long
breath at the end, exclaiming: "I never did see the beat of that for
gastliness! My sister Clarissy used to walk in her sleep, but she
warn't half so kind of dreadful."
"If she had had the murder of a few friends on her conscience, I
dare say she would have been," said Christie, going in to make
herself tidy.
"Well, how do you like her as an actress?" asked Mr. Power of David,
who stood looking, as if he still saw and heard the haunted lady.
"Very much; but better as a woman. I'd no idea she had it in her,"
answered David, in a wonder-stricken tone.
"Plenty of tragedy and comedy in all of us," began Mr. Power; but
David said hastily:
"Yes, but few of us have passion and imagination enough to act
Shakspeare in that way."
"Very true: Christie herself could not give a whole character in
that style, and would not think of trying."
"I think she could; and I'd like to see her try it," said David,
much impressed by the dramatic ability which Christie's usual
quietude had most effectually hidden.
He was still thinking about it, when she came out again. Mr. Power
beckoned to her; saying, as she came and stood before him, flushed
and kindled with her efforts:
"Now, you must give me a bit from the 'Merchant of Venice.
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