There came an irresolute knock at the door, and their landlady thrust in an arm and a plate.
"Shrimps was passing so I've bought you a pint for a relish, dears," came a conciliatory whine.
To save argument Maggy took them and shut the door again.
"W-what a mixture!" she gasped hysterically. "Temptation and tea, t-tears and—shrimps!"
VII
Alexandra began to tell about her sudden dismissal. De Freyne had been in a good temper and apparently had no grievance against her. Every one in the chorus knew there was always the chance of not being kept on for the run of the piece. He was the managerial autocrat of stageland and he did what he liked. A fortnight's notice or a fortnight's salary in lieu of notice discharged his obligations so far as his chorus was concerned.
Quite formally and with much the same stereotyped form of regret as an editor employs in rejecting a suitable contribution, he told Alexandra that he did not feel himself justified in retaining her services.
"Are you—dissatisfied with me?" she faltered, utterly taken aback.
"No, not exactly. You're a hard worker."
"Then—?"