'Monsieur Ambrose,' she said, 'it can go on no longer. I thought myself an actress but you have conquered. You are my friend?'
'Your devoted friend,' he assured her.
'You can imagine, then, why here in England it is Elaine Félanie alone who exists?'
'Adèle Goetz, if I remember rightly,' he replied, 'was of German birth.'
She glanced almost nervously around her. He went on without pause.
'So far as that simple fact is concerned,' he continued, 'you will not—you need have no fear of my discretion.'
She gave him her hands again and this time there was more of invitation in her gesture.
'You were always kind to me,' she murmured. 'We shall see something of one another now, is it not so?'
He shook his head.
'Alas! no, madame,' he sighed. 'I am engaged to be married.'