behind there."

Laverick half turned in his chair. She guessed what he was about
to say, and went on rapidly.

"He has been so foolish," she whispered. "He has asked me so often
to go out with him. And he could get me sent away, if he wanted,
any time. He almost threatened it, the last time I refused. Now
that he has seen me with you, he will be worse than ever."

Laverick's face darkened, and there was a peculiar flash in his eyes.
The man was certainly looking at them in a rude manner.

"There are so many of the girls who would only be too pleased to go
with him," Zoe continued, in a terrified undertone. "I can't think
why he bothers me."

"I can," Laverick muttered. "Let's forget about the brute."

But the dinner was already spoiled for Zoe, so Laverick paid the
bill a few minutes later, and walked across to the stage-door of the
theatre with her. Her little hand, when she gave it to him at
parting, was quite cold.

"I'm as nervous as I can be," she confessed. "Mr. Heepman will be
watching all the night for something to find fault with me about."

"Don't you let him bully you," Laverick begged.

"I won't," she promised. "Good-bye! Thanks so much for my dinner."