"That's what I'm wondering; that's what I'm trying to make out."
"It's a very mysterious business altogether; and the way you're taking it seems to me to be not the least mysterious part of the whole affair--and I can't say that I'm fond of mysteries. However, as some one or other says in a play, though I'm afraid I can't tell you what play, 'Time will show'."
When they reached Margaret's rooms they found that Frank Staines and Mr. Winton had arrived already, and were waiting for them at the street door. They all went up together. So soon as they were in the room Mr. Winton asked his question--
"Well, Miss Wallace, is Mrs. Lamb to create Lady Glover?"
Had he put to her an inquiry on the answer to which the whole happiness of her life was dependent, it could hardly have moved her more.
"Never! never! never!"
She repeated the word three times over, with each time an additional emphasis. Mr. Winton, probably accustomed to strenuous utterances on the part of ladies to whom the theatre was the chief end and aim of their existence, appeared to be entertained by her intensity. Putting his hands behind his back he regarded her with smiling face.
"And isn't she to produce the play?--that is, if she's willing to do so if she's not to be allowed to play in it?"
"She is to have nothing to do with it--nothing."
"You appear to have arrived, Miss Wallace, at a decision which is final and conclusive, and to have done so in a very short space of time."