say another word!"

They stumbled along the passages to the door of the box, and entered as
quietly as they could.

"We thought you'd got lost," said Lady Cecily, smiling at Henry.

"No ... no," he replied, "we didn't get lost!"

2

Gilbert was sitting in the seat where Jimphy had sat earlier in the
evening. "Gilbert is going to stay here," said Lady Cecily. "Won't you
stay, too, Mr. Quinn!"

"Won't I be crowding you?..." he said.

"Oh, no," she replied. "Jimphy doesn't want to see the play anyhow, and
he'll be quite happy if he has some one to talk to in the bar between
the acts!..."

He felt the blood rushing violently to his head, and in his anger he
almost got up and walked out of the box. That she should use him to keep
her sottish husband entertained while she made love to Gilbert, filled
him with a sensation that came near to hatred of her. Gilbert had not
spoken since they returned to the box, but it was clear from his manner
that there had been love-making.... He crushed down his anger, and stood
behind Lady Cecily while the play went on. Her bare shoulders had a
soft, warm look, in the subdued light ... he was conscious of
beautifully shaped ears nestling in golden hair ... and the anger in him
began to die. Once she moved slightly in her seat, and looked round as
if she wanted to speak. He leant over her.

"Do you want anything?" he asked.

"My wrap," she said.

He picked up the flimsy wrap and put it about her shoulders, and she
turned to him and smiled and said, "Thank you!" and instantly all the
anger in him perished. He had admired her before, admired her ardently,
but now he knew that he loved her, must love her always....

There was a sound of heavy breathing, and he turned to look at Jimphy.

"Wake him up," said Lady Cecily in a whisper. "Poor dear, he always goes
to sleep when he's annoyed!"

He tiptoed across the box and shook the sleeper's arm.

"Eh? What is it?" Lord Jasper said, as he opened his eyes and gaped
about him, and then, as he became conscious of his surroundings, he
said, "Is it over yet?"

"No. The second act isn't finished yet!"

"Oh, Lord!" he groaned.

"It'll be over in a few minutes!"

"Thank God! I can't stick plays ... not this sort anyhow. I don't mind a
musical comedy now and again, although I think you can have too much of
that...."

Lady Cecily turned and waved her hand at her husband. "Ssh, Jimphy!" she
whispered. "You're making a frightful row!