At the stage-door he encountered Miss Terry, and beckoned her into his dressing-room.

“They tell me you are to play a part in Lennox’s tour. Hum?”

“Yes,” said Eunice, with a slight increase of colour.

“It is, in a sense, unfortunate, since I myself had possibilities for you.”

Eunice almost seized his arm.

“Oh, Mr. Cardomay,” she exclaimed, “do you really mean that? Oh, I wish you would!”

“Some other time, then, perhaps.”

“No, now. I’d much rather now.”

“But your contract with Mr. Lennox?”

“I haven’t signed one. Please——”