“If I had only known,” thought M’lle Fanchette, regretfully, “I might have been in that sickly Martha Grey’s place. But who could ever have imagined that Helen Ford would turn out a rich woman? Well, it’s too late now!”
And M’lle Fanchette had to content herself with this philosophical reflection.
CHAPTER XLIV.
HELEN TAKES LEAVE OF THE STAGE.
The next morning Helen, on reaching the theatre, sought the presence of Mr. Bowers.
The manager was seated in his office, as usual. He nodded carelessly as Helen entered, but did not invite her to be seated.
“Well, Miss Ford,” he said, after a while. “What can I do for you, this morning?”
“I should like to have you release me from my engagement, if you please, Mr. Bowers.”
“Release you from your engagement!” ejaculated the astonished manager. Then, in a tone of indignation, “I suppose you have had a larger offer elsewhere.”
“No, sir.”
“What can be your motive, then? I beg you to understand, Miss Ford, that a contract is a contract, and must be kept. Of course your place could be supplied, but it is annoying to make a change in the middle of the season.”