On arriving at the Hippodrome, they found Mrs. Tate in the star dressing-room, which had been assigned to Blanche again.
"I have been waiting for you," Mrs. Tate said nervously. "I suppose I have no right to be here, but I felt that I must see you, and I made my husband bring me. Are you quite well?"
She had observed the look of disgust given her by Jules, but this did not disturb her nearly so much as the white face that Blanche presented. Moreover, she did not feel reassured when Blanche smiled and said she felt perfectly well.
"Of course everything will be splendid. There's a tremendous crowd," Mrs. Tate added. "You'll have a great success."
Jules, after bowing coldly, had turned from the room. As soon as the door closed behind him, Mrs. Tate seized Blanche by both hands and kissed her affectionately. "I mustn't keep you from dressing," she said with a smile. "Perhaps I'll come in and congratulate you when it's all over."
Blanche grew a shade paler, and Mrs. Tate hesitated at the door. "What is it?" she said.
"Nothing."
Mrs. Tate walked toward her. "Nothing?"
Blanche turned her head away. "If anything should happen," she said quietly, "the—the little one—I should like my mother to take her."
Mrs. Tate began to breathe hard; but she burst out laughing. "You silly child! Of course; I shall look after Jeanne anyway. Don't you worry about her. Now I must hurry out to that husband of mine. He'll be furious with me for keeping him waiting so long."