"Give me a lock of hair from your beard for a locket," said the Baronne de Vibray impudently.
Valgrand looked at her, and heaved a profound sigh.
"Not yet, not yet, dear lady: I am infinitely sorry, but not yet: a little later on, perhaps; wait for the hundredth performance."
"I must have one too," said Simone Holbord, and Valgrand with great dignity replied:
"I will put your name down for one, madame!"
But the Comte de Baral had looked furtively at his watch, and uttered an exclamation of surprise.
"My good people, it is most horribly late! And our great artiste must be overcome with sleep!"
Forthwith they all prepared to depart, in spite of the actor's courteous protests that he could not hear of letting them go so soon. They lingered at the door for a few minutes in eager, animated conversation, shaking hands and exchanging farewells and thanks and congratulations. Then the sound of their footsteps died away along the corridors, and the Baronne de Vibray and her friends left the theatre. Valgrand turned back into his dressing-room and locked the door, then dropped into the low and comfortable chair that was set before his dressing-table.