"She desired that I should pay my respects during the performance."

"It is very kind of you," Laverick answered. "As a matter of fact,
it is exceedingly kind, also, of Mademoiselle Idiale to insist
upon my coming here to-night. She did me the honor, as you may
know, of paying me a visit in the city this morning."

"So she did tell me," Mr. Lassen declared. "Mademoiselle is a
great woman of business. Most of her investments she controls
herself. She has whims, however, and it never does to contradict
her. She has also, curiously enough, a preference for the men of
affairs."

Laverick had reached that stage when he felt indisposed to discuss
Mademoiselle any longer with a stranger, even though that stranger
should be her manager. He nodded and took up his programme. As
he did so, the curtain rang up upon the next act. Laverick turned
deliberately towards the stage. The little man had paid his respects,
as he put it. Laverick felt disinclined for further conversation
with him. Yet, though his head was turned, he knew very well that
his companion's eyes were fixed upon him. He had an uncomfortable
sense that he was an object of more than ordinary interest to this
visitor, that he had come for some specific object which as yet he
had not declared.

"You will like to go round and see Mademoiselle," the latter
remarked, some time afterwards.

Laverick shook his head.