Page:Genlis - The Palace of Truth (1819).djvu/151

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137

Yes, but it is necessary to cry and laugh at this infernal piece; which are impossible, in this place, for it would be immediately seen whether the tears were or were not real.

Is there, in fact, a charm sufficiently strong to prevent an author from being a dupe?

May not an author be deceived; think you? Let us only be confident, my friends, and I hope the genius will not be able to read our countenances.

Besides, added Philamir, his attention will be wholly directed toward these newly-arrived authors, who will speak without apprehension, not knowing the effects of the place they are in.

True, my lord, and in order to keep them in ignorance on this subject till the reading is over they have been taken to an apartment distant from those of other guests.

Did they come both together? No; and as it is already known they hate each other, they are separately lodged.

The genius appeared, and the conversation changed. I warrant, said Phanor, you were speaking of my play.

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