"A fellow must have a little time to enjoy his friends," he returned coolly. "I can't be expected to sing, six nights a week."
"Your logic betrays your artistic nature. You have sung at five recitals, this week. This is the sixth night; but you've not been silent."
"You know you wanted to hear Faust sung again."
"Yes, and so did Mrs. Stanley want you to sing at her house."
He looked up sharply.
"Who told you?"
"Mr. Arlt."
"Arlt shouldn't tell tales. But I had three good reasons for refusing: I don't like Mrs. Stanley; she doesn't treat Arlt as well as she treats her pug dog, and moreover you had asked me to dinner. I never sing after a good dinner."
"But you mustn't refuse engagements."
"I didn't. I kept one."