And Freddie Manning from the prompt corner took advantage of the tumult to shout:
“Shall I ring down, Guv’nor?”
“No,” said Eliphalet, but he had to shut his eyes to hide the grief on the little face before him. “Go on, Miss Terry.”
“I—I can’t.”
“You must.”
“I can’t—I’ve forgotten—I don’t want to——”
“Rotten!” shouted the house with one accord. “Rotten!”
Then Eunice burst into tears and rushed from the stage, and simultaneously Henry Churchill fought his way out of the stalls.
“I am very sorry, ladies and gentlemen,” said Eliphalet Cardomay, and the curtain fell.
Eunice Terry was crying brokenly against a scene flat, but he offered her no word of comfort or condolence. He had seen Henry Churchill’s furious exit from the stalls, and he hoped he wouldn’t be long.