"I want you to let Mrs. Anderson appear at the opera house to-night, as she promised."
Both the mayor and his wife started from their seats, their faces showing all the surprise they felt.
"Why, what is it to you whether she appears or not?" asked Mr. Anderson.
"It is everything."
"I do not understand."
"I cannot explain now; but, sir, I assure you that, perhaps, my whole future depends upon whether you grant my request or not."
"Really," gasped the mayor, "this is most extraordinary. Why cannot you explain now?"
"Because the curtain goes up in a good deal less than an hour, and Mrs. Anderson ought to be at the theater now."
Here the lady herself interposed.
"Mr. Anderson," she said, beseechingly, "do let me go! You know I promised, and that in itself is reason enough why I should appear."