“Felicity Falcon.”
At any time the adventure was one likely to tempt a girl of Pamela’s spirit. In present circumstances, wrought to the highest pitch of excitement and interest by the emotions of the drama and the personality of the young play-actress, the invitation came to her as the magic fulfilment of a dream. Although never had Miss Falcon’s acting been more poignant, more intense in passion and tragedy, the milliner could hardly wait for the drop of the curtain, so eager was she to enter upon what she could not avoid considering the more thrilling drama still.
The crowds that packed the theatre were so immense, and the determination to recall the favourite so obstinate and prolonged, that it was after considerable delay that Pamela found herself at last at the stage door.
An elegant, sober-looking carriage, with servants in dark liveries, stood in waiting, and just behind it a hackney coach.
Miss Falcon, hooded and cloaked, escorted by a group of gentlemen, stepped forward and took her hand.
“I knew you would come,” she whispered. Her manner was preoccupied. “This is no place for introductions,” she went on, turning to her escort. “Since it must be, let us even start.”
“Sheridan,” said one who walked in advance of the others, one, indeed, whom the milliner, with a thumping heart, scarce dared recognise as the heir to the throne, “you accompany the ladies.”
The two women drew back while he passed somewhat unsteadily out of the theatre, and was, with discreet bows, ushered to his carriage by all the gentlemen of the party, a single member of which then followed him in. The carriage, evidently to order, moved a few paces up the street and again halted, while the hackney was drawn to the door.
Mr. Sheridan, followed by the other gentlemen, now came back. He offered his right arm to Miss Falcon, and, with some exaggeration of ceremony, which his companions seemed to find humorous, his left to Miss Pounce. After he had handed the ladies into the hackney coach, he paused, laughing at the door.
“What address shall I say, sweet Falcon?” He raised his voice, as for the benefit of those behind him. “Now for the great disclosure!” he cried.