"Better thank me later."
They arrived at the club, and pushed their way into the bedlam behind scenes. It was packed with excited performers, waiting to be made up, or just finished. Jerry was hailed on all sides with questions and anxious protests. He found a chair for Jane.
"Keep your wrap on; it is draughty here. I'll be back in a minute."
"Everybody except those in the first three tableaux clear out. We can't have this confusion. Quickly, please," he shouted.
He directed them into other rooms, with clear directions as to what they were to do, where they were to stay, until called for. The women all tried to get a few words with him, but he kept them moving. One royal creature, whom he addressed as Mrs. Brendon, appeared, swathed in sable. She spoke to him, caressingly, as a privileged intimate.
"You're wonderful," he said to her.
"Did you get a Salome?"
"Yes."
"Professional?"
"No, sub-amateur."