Mr. Valchester complimented and congratulated her on her successful appearance last night, and then thanked her in eloquent, well-chosen terms for the part she had taken in making his venture such a signal success.
Both were grave and courteous, and calm. No one who witnessed the meeting would have suspected that they had parted only three years ago, broken-hearted and longing for death.
In that moment of quiet recognition each believed that the other had outlived the passion which a little while ago had seemed the all in all of life.
Then the manager excused himself and went out with the professor.
The author and the singer were left alone in the luxurious parlor to entertain each other. They sat silently a moment; then Mr. Valchester said, calmly:
"You were reading, Madam Dolores?"
She looked down at the book in her hand, and the color rushed into her cheeks as she answered:
"Yes."