Faraday means from the commercial point of
view. Let us submit the matter to the prince. He knows something of both
sides of the question."

The Prince of Seyre, who was seated in the orchestra-leader's chair,
looked reproachfully toward Louise.

"Is this fair?" he protested. "Remember that I am more than half a
Frenchman, and that I am one of our friend's most faithful disciples. I
realize the delicacy of the situation, and I understand Mr. Faraday's
point of view. I tell you frankly that the thought of an empty theater
appals me. It is not the money--I am sure you all know that--but there
isn't a single man or woman in the world who can do his best unless he
or she plays to a full house. Somehow or other, we must secure our
audience."

"It really comes to this," Faraday intervened. "Shall we achieve a
purely artistic triumph and drive the people away? Or shall we--at the
expense, I admit, of some of the finest passages in M. Graillot's superb
drama--compromise the matter and keep our box-office open? In a more
humble way I hope I also may call myself an artist; and yet not only
must I live myself, but I have a staff of employees dependent upon me."

Graillot waved his hand.

"So! No more!" he exclaimed grandiloquently. "The affair is finished. My
consent is given. Delete the lines! As to the scene laid in the bedroom
of _madame_, to-night I shall take up my pen. By noon to-morrow I will
give you a revision which will puff out the cheeks of the Philistines
with satisfaction. Have no fear, _cher ami_ Faraday! Mothers shall bring
their unmarried daughters to see our play. They shall all watch it
without a blush. If there is anything to make the others think, it shall
be beneath the surface. It shall be for the great artist whom it is my
supreme joy to watch," he went on, bowing to Louise, "to act and express
the real truth of my ideas through the music of innocent words."

"Then all is arranged," Miles Faraday concluded briskly. "We will leave
the second act until tomorrow; then M. Graillot will bring us his
revision. We will proceed now to the next act. Stand back a little, if
you please, ladies and gentlemen. Miss Maurel, will you make your
entrance?"

Louise made no movement. Her eyes were fixed upon a certain shadowy
corner of the wings. Overwrought as she had seemed a few minutes ago,
with the emotional excitement of her long speech, there was now a new
and curious expression upon her face. She seemed to be