And so it continued, the flattering stream, while Diaz listened, touched, and full of pride.
‘Ah!’ I said. ‘It is not I who deserve praise.’
An electric bell trembled in the theatre.
Morenita picked up her cloak.
‘Mon ami,’ she warned Villedo. ‘I must go. Diaz, mon petit! you will persuade Mademoiselle Peel to come to the room of the Directeur later. Madame, a few of us will meet there—is it not so, Villedo? We shall count on you, madame. You have hidden yourself too long.’
I glanced at Diaz, and he nodded. As a fact, I wished to refuse; but I could not withstand the seduction of Morenita. She had a physical influence which was unique in my experience.
‘I accept,’ I said.
‘A tout à l’heure, then,’ she twittered gaily; and they left as they had come, Villedo affectionately toying with Morenita’s hand.
Diaz remained behind a moment.
‘I am so glad you didn’t decline,’ he said. ‘You see, here in this theatre Morenita is a queen. I wager she has never before in all her life put herself out of the way as she has done for you to-night.’