Whether he persuaded any editor to accept his literary efforts
is quite another matter--a question to which the answer must remain for
ever enveloped in mystery,--but if he _did_ appear in print (it is only
an if!) he must have been immensely gratified to consider that his
statements were received with gusto by at least half aristocratic
London, and implicitly believed as having emanated from the "best
authorities." And Louise Renaud having posted her mistress's letter at
last, went down to visit Briggs in his private pantry, and to ask him a
question.
"Tell me," she said rapidly, with her tight, prim smile. "You read the
papers--you will know. What lady is that of the theatres--Violet Vere?"
Briggs laid down the paper he was perusing and surveyed her with a
superior air.
"What, Vi?" he exclaimed with a lazy wink. "Vi, of the Hopperer-Buff?
You've 'erd of 'er surely, Mamzelle? No? There's not a man (as is worth
calling a man) about town, as don't know _'er_! Dukes, Lords, an' Royal
'Ighnesses--she's the style for 'em! Mag-ni-ficent creetur! all legs and
arms! I won't deny but wot I 'ave an admiration for 'er myself--I bought
a 'arf-crown portrait of 'er quite recently.
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