constituent of rye, that's the
only stuff that is worthy of the complete man that I have the honor
to consider myself, Mr. Manager."

The director entered and Dobek went to the bar.

"Did you assign all the roles of Nitouche?" the director asked.

"Not quite," answered Topolski, "those women . . . there are three
candidates for Nitouche."

"Good morning, Mr. Director!" called one of the pillars of the
theater, Majkowska, a handsome actress dressed in a light gown, a
silken wrap, and a white hat with a big ostrich feather. She was all
rosy from a good night's sleep and from an invisible layer of rouge.
She had large, dark-blue eyes, full and carmined lips, classical
features, and a proud bearing. She played the principle roles.

"Come here a minute, Mr. Director . . . there is a little matter I
would like to speak to you about."

"Always at your service, madame. Perhaps you need some money?"
ventured the director with a troubled mien.

"For the present . . . no. What will you have to drink, Mr.
Director?"

"Ho! Ho! Somebody's blood is going to be shed!" he cried with a
comical gesture.

"I asked what will you drink, Mr. Director?"

"Oh, I don't know. I'd take a glass of cognac, but . . ."

"You're afraid of your wife? She does not appear in Nitouche, does
she?"

"No, but . . ."

"Waiter! Two cognacs and sandwiches. . . . You will give the role of
Nitouche to Nicolette, will you not, Mr. Director? Please do so, for
I have a good reason for asking it. Remember, Mr. Cabinski, that I
never ask for a thing in vain, and do this for me . . ."

"That's already the fourth candidate for the part! . . . God! all
that I have to stand because of these women!"

"Which of them wants this part?"

"Well, Kaczkowska, my wife, Mimi, and now, Nicolette. . . ."

"Waiter! Two more cognacs," she called, rapping on the tray with her
glass. "You will give the part to Nicolette, Mr. Director, I know
for a certainty that she will not accept it, for with her wooden
voice she could dance, but not sing. But you see, Mr. Director, this
is the very reason for giving it to her."

"Well . . . not to mention my own wife, Mimi and Kaczkowska will
tear off my head if I do!"

"You'll not lose much by that! I'll explain the matter to them. We
will have a splendid farce, for you see that gentleman friend of
hers will be present at to-day's rehearsal. Yesterday she boasted to
him that you had her in mind when you announced in the pape