good play," said Sir Chichester with just the necessary patronage to
tickle Hillyard to an appreciation of Hardiman's phrases--a ten and
six-penny Mecænas.

"I am grateful that it has earned your good opinion," he replied.

"Oh, not at all!" cried Sir Chichester, and catching a lady who passed
by the arm. "Stella, Mr. Hillyard should know you. This is Mrs. Croyle.
I hope you will meet him some day at Rackham Park."

Sir Chichester trotted away to greet the manager of the _Daily Harpoon_,
who was at that moment shaking hands with Hardiman.

"I congratulate you," said Stella Croyle, as she gave him her hand.

"Thank you. So you know Sir Chichester well?"

"His wife has been a friend of mine for a long time." Her eyes twinkled.
"I wonder you have not been seen at his house."

"Oh, I am only just hatched out," said Hillyard. They both laughed. "I
hardly know a soul here except my leading lady and our host."

They were summoned to the supper table. Hillyard found himself with the
leading lady on one side of him and Stella Croyle opposite, and Mario
Escobar a couple of seats away. Supper was half through when Escobar
leaned suddenly forward.

"Mr. Hillyard, I have seen you before, somewhere and not in England."