"Precisely," said Mr. Wood. "I daresay Mrs. Darche would be glad to have the report denied. I understand, then, that there are not to be any tableaux."
"I believe there is to be something of the kind, but Mrs. Darche has nothing to do with the affair—beyond giving her advice, I think. She would certainly not care very much to be talked of in the papers just now."
"Just so," replied Mr. Wood readily. "I quite understand that there is a prejudice against it, and of course Mrs. Darche's name shall not appear. But you do not know what a great interest our readers take in social doings. Our paper has a very large circulation in the West."
"I am very glad to know it. Would it not be enough just to mention the fact that there are to be some tableaux for a charity?"
"If you would give me a hint about the subjects. Historical? One or two names would be very useful."
"Really I do not think that any of us care to see our names in the paper," said Brett.
"I will be as discreet as you wish—Mr.—"
"My name is Brett."
"Mr. Brett," repeated the reporter, making a note. "May I inquire, Mr. Brett, if you yourself take a part in the entertainment?"
"Well—yes—I do."