Mabel felt obliged to decline so delicate a mission, and excused
herself. Then, as they re-entered the room she mentioned Holroyd's
petition. Mrs. Featherstone recollected him faintly, and was rather
flattered by his anxiety to see her play; but then he was quite a
nonentity, and she was determined to have as brilliant and
representative an audience as possible for the performance.

'My dear,' she said, 'I would if I could, but it's quite out of the
question; my list is overfull as it is, and I haven't an idea where we
shall put all the people who will come; there's so much talk about it
everywhere that we have had next to no refusals. But if he's only
anxious to see the play, and doesn't mind not being seen at it, he
could get some idea of the treatment next Friday if he cares to come
to the dress rehearsal. You know we arranged to run right through it
for the first time. We thought of a small impromptu dance after the
rehearsal, so if Mr. Holroyd would like to come a little earlier I
shall be charmed to see him.'

So Vincent was brought up to the lady, who repeated the invitation to
the rehearsal, which he accepted, as it practically gave him the
opportunity he had desired.

Meanwhile Gilda had drawn Mabel aside towards one of the windows.
'Well,' she said, 'so you have been told the great news?'

Mabel admitted this, and added something as nearly approaching to
congratulation as her conscience allowed.

'Ah,' said Gilda, 'you're on mamma's side.'

'I am on no side,' said Mabel, 'provided he makes you happy.'

'Which you think rather doubtful?' replied Gilda, with a jarring
little laugh. 'Really, Mabel, I do think you might resign him a little
more gracefully!'

'I'm afraid I don't understand you,' said Mabel, proudly.

'No?' said Gilda. 'You are very innocent, dear. I can't undertake to
explain--only I am not altogether blind.'

'I hope not,' said Mabel, and left her. She was afraid that if she
stayed she might be tempted to say what could do no possible good now.

Mrs. Featherstone had gone, with a gracious reminder to Vincent of his
promise to come to the rehearsal. It was late in the afternoon, and
everyone seemed suddenly alarmed at the idea of being the last to go,
the consequence being that the rooms were cleared in an astonishingly
short time. Mabel stopped Vincent as he too was preparing to take his
leave. 'You must stay till Mark comes back, Vincent. He has taken
Dolly to the Academy, really, I