Thus it was that Phyllis went upon the stage of the Parthenon by the
side of Herbert Courtland instead of by the side of George Holland;
and the little laugh that Mrs. Linton gave was due to her careful
observation of the latter's face when he perceived, as he did in spite
of the engrossing nature of his conversation with his friend in the end
stall, how his designs had been defeated by her tactics. She would not
have minded having Herbert Courtland with her for the hour they might
remain at the theater, but she had made up her mind that it was not
to Phyllis' advantage that Mr. Holland should continue by her side in
public after she had given him his dismissal.

She also perceived, with even greater gratification, that Herbert
Courtland was looking nearly as dissatisfied with the result of her
tactics as George Holland. If he had looked pleased at being by the side
of Phyllis when he expected to be with her--Ella--what would life be
worth to her?

But if he was dissatisfied at being with Phyllis instead of Mrs. Linton,
he did not consider that any reason for neglecting the former. He
wondered if she had any choice in sandwiches--of course she had in
champagne. His curiosity was satisfied, and Phyllis was amply provided
for.

"You are Mrs. Linton's dearest friend," he remarked casually, as they
leaned up against the profile of the Church scene in "Cagliostro," for
they were standing in the "wings"--to be exact--on the O. P. side.

"She is my dearest friend, at any rate," said Phyllis.