La Signorina dropped her veil and sat stiffly in her chair. Kitty moved uneasily. Was the man crazy to cross La Signorina like this? The manager appeared. He bowed.
"Madame here," began Worth, indicating La Signorina, "has guaranteed our credit at your hotel."
"Yes. Is not everything satisfactory?" asked the manager eagerly.
"By what means has she established our credit? And do you know her?"
"I never saw madame before till she came here with you gentlemen. What is the trouble?" His brow wrinkled worriedly.
"What security did madame advance?"
"Security?" The manager looked at La Signorina, but she rendered him not the least assistance. "I have given my word to madame not to tell."
"In that case we three gentlemen shall leave this afternoon. You will make out our bill at once."
This time the manager appealed to the lady eloquently.
"You are three foolish men," spoke La Signorina impatiently. "If the manager wishes to tell you he may do so. I give him permission."