"That's all right," she replied, shrugging her shoulders. "I could have gone on—if I'd wanted to. I was merely bluffing. You couldn't have held me. You're a gentleman, and I don't want the money." She spoke quietly, and looked him full in the face. Ralston wavered.
"Please don't," said the girl, and held out the bill. Ralston took it and returned it to his pocket.
"Miss Hudson," said he, "you have placed me under a great obligation, one that money cannot repay. If I can ever help you in any way let me know."
The partridge got up and led the way toward the staircase. At the top she held out her hand and Ralston took it in his.
"He's not worth it," she repeated. "Let him go."
"Noblesse oblige," he smiled, looking down at her.
The chorus had filed off the stage and were standing on the other side.
"Here you, Hudson! Where have you been?" whispered the manager hoarsely, grasping her roughly by the shoulder. "Get over there."
"Leave me alone!" she cried sharply, shaking off his arm. Then, turning to Ralston:
"Good night, sir," she said.