We talked quietly of the play, and I was astonished at the keenness of her perceptions, the unerring ease with which she had realized and appreciated the self-abnegation which was the great underlying motif of the whole drama. And in the midst of our conversation, what I had expected happened. A note was brought to me by an attendant.
"Come to me after the next act, and bring her. An attendant will be waiting for you at your left-hand door of egress."
Mabane and Arthur had gone out to have a smoke. I had still a moment before the curtain went up. I leaned over towards Isobel.
"Isobel," I said, "I am going to tell you something which will surprise you very much. It is necessary that I tell you at once. If you answer me at all do not speak above a whisper."
She only slightly moved her head. I had not any fear of her betraying herself.
"You have seen Feurgéres before. It was in the café. He was my companion when I saw you first."
"Mr. Grooten!" she murmured, so softly that her lips seemed scarcely to move.
I nodded assent.
"You knew?"
"Not until to-night."