He repeated these warm words of praise a little later in Miss Delacourt’s dressing room, where he went to congratulate the actress. Louisiana was in street costume, buttoning up her gloves, when he arrived.
“I saw you in the back row,” she said in reply. “Any better news?”
“I am afraid not. The first court reserved its decision. They put up an amazing case, the impudent rascals! They almost made me believe them in spite of myself. I must tell you all about it sometime. I think we shall be able to pull off Her Great Adventure just in time before the sheriff closes the doors.”
He laughed good-humoredly at the situation, and handed her his cigarette case. Louisiana lighted a cigarette, then said abruptly:
“I hope you won’t be angry with me. I’ve borrowed something of yours while you were away. Couldn’t wait to get permission.”
“Honored that you found anything worth taking! What is it?”
“I borrowed a new name for myself!”
“I remember you said that we had ruined the old one for you!” he laughed. “You were sitting over there in the corner, too mad to cry, when you said it.”
“After making such a guy of myself as Cordelia I couldn’t bear to see the old name on the billboards. Besides, I think I like this one better, anyway.”
“What is it?”