"Which libretto?"
"Yours. Apparently Madame Sennier's been saying it was really written for Sennier and had been promised to him."
"That's a lie."
"Of course it is. But she's spread herself on it finely, I can tell you. Crayford's simply delighted."
"Delighted, when I'm accused of mean conduct, of stealing another man's property."
"It's no use getting furious over our papers! Doesn't pay! Besides, it makes a story, works up public interest. Still, I think she might have kept out Mrs. Charmian's name."
"Charmian is in it?"
"Yes, a lot of rubbish about her hearing what a stunner the libretto was, and rushing over to Paris to bribe it away before Sennier had considered it in its finished state."
"How abominable! I shall—"
"I know, but I wouldn't. Crayford says it will give value to the libretto, prepare the public mind for a masterpiece, and help to carry your music to success."