“It’s fearfully humiliating for you, I realize, but, my dear, we’ve all had to go through that experience. And people in the studio will be very nice to you.”
“But it’s impossible,” said Adele. “Mr. Knebworth told me I was to be in the picture from start to finish.”
Mendoza shook her head smilingly.
“You can never believe what these fellows tell you,” she said. “He’s just told me to be ready to shoot to-morrow morning on the South Downs.”
Adele’s heart sank. She knew that was the rendezvous, though she was not aware of the fact that Stella Mendoza had procured her information from the disgruntled Mr. Connolly.
“It is humiliating,” Stella went on thoughtfully. “If I were you, I would go up to town and stay away for a couple of weeks till the whole thing has blown over. I feel very much to blame for your disappointment, my dear, and if money is any compensation——” She opened her bag and, taking out a wad of notes, detached four and put them on the table.
“What is this for?” asked Adele coldly.
“Well, my dear, you’ll want money for expenses——”
“If you imagine I’m going to London without seeing Mr. Knebworth and finding out for myself whether you’re speaking the truth——”
Mendoza’s face flamed.