"I am very glad to meet you, Mr. Lassen," said Laverick. "Will
you sit down?"

Mr. Lassen thereupon hung his hat upon a peg, removed his overcoat,
straightened his white tie with the aid of a looking-glass, brushed
back his glossy black hair with the palms of his hands, and took
the seat opposite Laverick. His first question was inevitable.

"What do you think of the opera, sir?"

"It is like Mademoiselle Idiale herself," Laverick answered. "It
is above criticism."

"She is," Mr. Lassen said firmly, "the loveliest woman in Europe
and her voice is the most wonderful. It is a great combination,
this. I myself have managed for many stars, I have brought to
England most of those whose names are known during the last ten
years; but there has never been another Louise Idiale, - never will
be."

I can believe it," Laverick admitted.

She has wonderful qualities, too," continued Mr. Lassen. "Your
acquaintance with her, I believe, sir, is of the shortest."

"That is so," Laverick answered, a little coldly. He was not
particularly taken with his visitor.

"Mademoiselle has spoken to me of you," the latter proceeded.