A minor functionary entered.
“She has come?”
“No, Monsieur the Directeur.”
“And it is nine-fifteen. Sapristi!”
The functionary departed.
“The invitation to Box No. 74,” proceeded the Directeur, commanding himself, “was sold for two thousand francs. Allow me to hand you notes for the amount, dear monsieur.”
“But I paid twenty-five thousand,” said Cecil, smiling.
“It is conceivable. But the Minister can only concern himself with the original figure. You refuse the notes?”
“By no means,” said Cecil, accepting them. “But I have brought here to-night three guests, including two ladies. Imagine my position.”
“I imagine it,” the Directeur responded. “But you will not deny that the Minister has always the right to cancel an invitation. Seats ought to be sold subject to the contingency of that right being exercised.”