Arnswald, who had been loitering in the rear of the box, went back into the vestibule in search of the garment.
On the stage the tenor in green and gold was still gesticulating, open-mouthed as before, and presently there came a blare of trumpets, a shudder of brass, dominated by the cry of violins, and abruptly the curtain fell.
Arnswald advanced with the cloak, and Jones stood up. The latter said some parting word to Miss Bolten and to her mother, bent over Eden's hand and left the box. Arnswald dropped in the seat which he had vacated. It was evident at once that he and Miss Bolten had met before. He had leaned forward, and was whispering in her ear.
"Eden," Maule began, "do you remember that ring you gave me?"
"Mr. Maule, you forget many things——"
"Why do you call me Mr. Maule? there was a time——"
"Yes, there was a time, as you say; but that time is no longer."
"You have something against me."
"I? Nothing in the world."
"Ah, but Eden, you have, though; that is evident: when I last saw you——"