struck in the clocks of New York. Just as the chimes died
away, Mrs. Shiffney drew up at the stage-door in a smart white
motor-car. She was accompanied by a very tall and big man, with a robust
air of self-confidence, and a face that was clean-shaven and definitely
American.

"I don't suppose they've begun yet," she said, as she got out and walked
slowly across the pavement, warmly wrapped up in a marvellous black
sable coat. "Have you got your card, Jonson?"

"Here!" said the big man in a big voice.

The dark young man came from his office. On seeing the big man he
started, and looked impressed.

"Mr. Crayford here?" said the big man.

"I think he's on the stage."

"Could you be good enough to send him in my card? There's some writing
on the back. And here's a note from this lady."

"Certainly, with pleasure," said the young man, with his cheerful smile.
"Come right into the office, if you will!"

"Hulloh!" said Crayford, a moment later to Claude. "Here's Mrs. Shiffney
wants to be let in to the rehearsal! And whom with, d'you think?"

"Whom?" asked Claude quickly. "Not Madame Sennier?"

"Jonson Ramer."

"The financier?"

"Our biggest! My boy, you're booming! Old Jonson Ramer asking to come in
to our rehearsal! We'll have that all over the States to-morrow morning.
Where's Cane?"

"I'll fetch him, sir!" said a thin boy standing by.

"Are you going to let them in?"

"Am I going to! Finnigan, go and take the lady and Mr. Ramer to any box
they like. Ah, Cane! Here's something for you to let yourself out over!"

Mr. Cane read Ramer's card and looked radiant.

"Well, I'm--!"

"I should think you are! Go and spread it. This boy's getting
compliments enough to turn him silly."

And Crayford clapped Claude almost affectionately on the shoulder.

"Now then, Mulworth!" he roared, with a complete change of manner. "When
in thunder are we going to have that curtain up?"

Claude turned away. He wished to find Charmian, to tell her that Mrs.
Shiffney had come and had brought Jonson Ramer with her. But he did not
know where she was. As he came off the stage into the wings he met
Alston Lake dressed for his part of an officer of Spahis.

"I say, Claude, have you heard?"

"What?"

"Jonson Ramer's here for the rehearsal!"

"I know. Can you tell me where Charmian is?"

"Haven't an idea! There's the prelude beginning! My! Where are my
formamints?"

Charmian meanwhile had gone into the theater with a dres