"You were at the opera last night, Merat. Was Mademoiselle Helbrun a success?"
"No, mademoiselle, I'm afraid not."
"Ah!" Evelyn put down her cup and looked at her maid. "I'm sorry, but I thought she wouldn't succeed in London. She was coldly received, was she?"
"Yes, mademoiselle."
"I'm sorry, for she's a true artist."
"She has not the passion of mademoiselle."
A little look of pleasure lit up Evelyn's face.
"She is a charming singer. I can't think how she could have failed. Did you hear any reason given?"
"Yes, mademoiselle, I met Mr. Ulick Dean."
"What did he say? He'd know."