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'My dear, said the actor, gravely, 'my wife is a good woman, and a mother herself, so she can feel for a poor child like you, who has been betrayed through sheer innocence. 'You do not despise me? said Kitty, in a low voice. 'My dear, answered Wopples, quietly, 'am I so pure myself that I can judge others?
This document set forth in red, black, and blue letters, that the celebrated Wopples Family, consisting of twelve star artistes, were now in Ballarat, and would that night appear at the Academy of Music in their new and original farcical comedy, called 'The Cruet-Stand'. Act I: Pepper! Act II: Mustard! Act III: Vinegar.
'Its a translation from the German, sir, said Mr Wopples, taking a drink of sherry and water, 'and was originally produced in London as "The Pickle Bottle", the will being hidden with the family onions. In Melbourne it was the success of the year under the same title. I, with an air of genius, 'called it "The Cruet Stand". 'Then how did you get a hold of it, asked Villiers.
The Wopples family consisted of twelve star artistes, beginning with Mr Theodore Wopples, aged fifty, and ending with Master Sheridan Wopples, aged ten, who did the servants' characters, delivered letters, formed the background in tableaux, and made himself generally useful.
'It must have been Kitty Marchurst, said Villiers, not attending to the latter portion of Mr Wopples' remarks. 'Ah, indeed, said Mr Wopples, lightly, 'how beautiful is the name of Kitty; it suggests poetry immediately for instance: Kitty, ah Kitty, You are so pretty, Charming and witty, That 'twere a pity I sung not this ditty In praise of my Kitty.
A washstand, with a basin full of soapy water, stood under a curtainless window, and there was only one chair to be seen, which Mr Wopples politely offered to his visitor.
This was clearly an insinuation against Madame Midas, but everyone refused to believe such an impossible story, so Slivers determined to make good his words, and went in search of evidence. The Wopples Family having left Ballarat, Slivers was unable to see Mr Theodore Wopples, who had been in Villiers' company on the night of his disappearance.
Then the orchestra played the 'Wopples' Waltz', dedicated to Mr Theodore Wopples by Mr Handel Wopples, and during the performance of this Mr Villiers walked into the theatre. He was a little pale, as was only natural after such an adventure as he had been engaged in, but otherwise seemed all right.
Mr Wopples presented them first to his wife, a faded, washed-out looking lady, with a perpetual simper on her face, and clad in a lavender muslin gown with ribbons of the same description, she looked wonderfully light and airy.
Just as the orchestra were making their final plunge into the finale of the 'Wopples' Waltz', M. Vandeloup, cool and calm as usual, strolled into the theatre, and, seeing a vacant seat beside Villiers, walked over and took it. 'Good evening, my friend, he said, touching Villiers on the shoulder. 'Enjoying the play, eh?
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