Maple seized my idea, and followed me upstairs.
"What is the meaning of this?" I said to him, when we were together, in the presence of the two excited vocalists. "Are these the only rooms you have to offer us? They will do for one of these ladies; but whichever accepts them the other must be provided with a set of apartments at least as good."
"I simply have not got them," replied Maple. "There is a charming set of apartments on the floor above, but they are specially retained for the Countess Spencer, and it would be more than my business is worth to let anyone else take possession of them."
At these words Belocca opened her beautiful eyes, and seemed to be struck with an idea.
"At least we could see them?" I suggested.
"You could see them," returned Maple, "but that is all."
"Let us go and have a look at them," I said.
Maple and myself walked upstairs. Belocca silently followed us. We pretended not to see her, but as soon as the door of the apartments reserved for the Countess Spencer was thrown open the passionate young Muscovite rushed into them, shut the door, and locked it, declaring that Lady Spencer must be provided for elsewhere.
On the conclusion of my London season of 1879 I immediately started for the Continent in search of talent for my next New York and London seasons, which both commenced on the 18th October.
On the issue of my New York prospectus, every box, together with three-fourths of the parquet, likewise the first two rows of balcony, were sold out for the season; so good an impression had my performances left the previous spring.