"I'd no idea you were such an actor, Quin," Hal exclaimed admiringly
when she could speak; "you ought be holding crowded houses enthralled,
instead of slumming."

"Heaven preserve me. Theatres are mostly mummies looking at mummies.
Down east I get in touch with flesh and blood - the real thing; and I
prefer it. But I wouldn't have missed to-night for something. Oh,
lord!... just think of the people who know Aunt Phyllis that I must
have cut; and all the fuss there will be when aunt is admonished for
supping at the Savoy with an actress! We aren't half through the fun
yet."

With which they all went off into fresh peals of laughter, at various
reminiscences, and were bordering upon a condition of imbecility when
Lorraine at last joined them with the latest news.

""It's positively immense," she said. "The manager told me Lady
Phyllis Fenton had come with Miss Pritchard, and to-morrow every paper
will announce it, and the mystery will grow. I 'phoned for a private
room at the Savoy, to keep the puzzle up. She must only be seen
passing through on Mr. Hermon's arm. How splendid they must look. I
almost wish I wasn't in the secret."

"Oh, they do!" Hal cried. "Alymer ought to have had knee breeches and
silk stockings, and they would look just perfect. I have to talk fast
to Dick, or I should give it all away in my face."

"You'll have to settle with your aunt," Lorraine laughed to Quin. "I
hope she won't cut you off with a shilling."