“Well, here we are,” she announced. “Mr. Griffin informs me that he has given a great deal of thought to the dresses and—er—all that sort of thing, you know, and he has brought over several books of costumes for us to look at. I only hope he realizes how very kind we consider it of him. You have all met him, haven’t you? You know every one here, don’t you, Mr. Griffin?”
Bob smiled assent.
“I think I have that pleasure,” he replied. “I—” Then he paused. Esther, herself a trifle late at the rehearsal, had taken a seat upon one of the rear settees. His eye had caught hers and remained fixed.
Mrs. Wheeler noticed the look.
“Oh!” she cried. “I did forget, after all, didn’t I? There is one you haven’t met. You weren’t here Saturday, were you, Esther? Bob—”
But Bob had not waited for the formal presentation. He was on his way to that rear settee. He held out his hand and Esther took it.
“It is all right, Mrs. Wheeler,” she explained. “Mr. Griffin and I have met before.” To Bob she said: “I wondered if you would remember me.”
She was a trifle confused, for she was quite conscious that every one was looking at them. Griffin, if he was aware of the look, did not appear to mind it in the least. His evident delight at the meeting was plain for all to see.
“Remember?” he repeated. “I should think I did! I was hoping you might be here to-day. Mrs. Wheeler told me you were going to sing at the Concert. I have heard a lot about you, you know. They tell me you are the Patti of the affair.”
She laughed and blushed. She wished he would not look at her so intently. The unconcealed surprise and admiration in his look might be flattering, perhaps, but were undoubtedly embarrassing. She withdrew her hand from his and tried to appear unconcerned and dignified.