“You made a hit, my dear; your singing alone was worth hearing. Keene was pleased, though he said nothing; he seldom does. Think of it. You have made your début on the stage of the ‘Coliseum,’ acting with the greatest man of the time, not as a super either but as leading lady. I shall put you into my next novel, and everyone will say how far-fetched is the plot.”
The next day Mrs. Carroll drove her down to the theatre, saying she would return in time to take her back to dinner.
As Muriel went to the green-room, Keene came out of his own and led her in, merely greeting her in his usual courteous way.
The room was empty, and the girl looked round a little wonderingly.
“Am I to rehearse here instead of on the stage?”
He did not answer for a moment.
She threw aside her wraps and stood waiting until he approached her quite closely.
“I have heard from Miss D’Orsay that it is uncertain whether she will ever be strong enough to return to the stage,” he said distinctly, but in low tones. “Will you accept the position of leading lady, Miss Winstanley?”
She drew back a few steps, staring at him in bewilderment, her deep eyes looking almost dazed.
Then they flashed, and she ran towards him with outstretched hands.