"No, no." This came quickly, protestingly.
"At half-past ten," she whispered.
"Yes."
Then the dialogue was at an end. Billy had returned. Some moments later she heard more words, a laugh, and the closing of a door. She realised that he had gone.
Only then did she come out from behind the screen.
Billy was wriggling into his overcoat and muttering something about being late. "Got to go and keep that chap's wife company," he said. "Regular little Philistine, she is; I suppose that's why I go; can't stand these blessed artists. I say, he'd no idea I'd a model, you know—sorry."
"All right, Billy," said Louie demurely.... "Sorry!" So was not she!
"And I say, I'm afraid I shall have to pay you next time. I'm cleaned out."
"It doesn't matter. Send me a steak in as you go out; I'll have my dinner here."
"Right. Odd-looking chap that, isn't he? A good sort though. I picked him up at the Langham one night. I took this place from him when he got married."