'Well, we'll talk about that another time. It doesn't matter if you are a
bit dusty and worn-out-looking. Now that he's going to revive your play,
he'll let you have some money. You might get a new hat, though. I don't
know how much they cost, but I've five shillings; can you get one for
that?'

Hubert thanked her.

'But you are not offended?'

'Offended, my dear Rose! I shall be able to manage. I'll get a brush up
somewhere.'

'That's all right. Now I'm going to jump into that 'bus,' and she signed
with her parasol to the conductor. 'Mind you see Ford to-night,' she cried;
and a moment after he saw a small space of blue back seated against one of
the windows.




V


There was much prophecy abroad. Stiggins' words, 'The piece never did, and
never will draw money,' were evidently present in everybody's mind. They
were visible in Ford's face, and more than once Hubert expected to hear
that--on account of severe indisposition--Mr. Montague Ford has been
obliged to indefinitely postpone his contemplated revival of Mr. Hubert
Price's play _Divorce_. But, besides the apprehension that Stiggins'