Voices shivering in altercation issued loudly from a private dressing-room next door.

“What’s up?”

“Oh, dear! Oh, dear!” the wardrobe-mistress entering said. “Sir Maurice and Mr. Fisher are passing sharp words with a couple of pitchforks.”

“What!”

“The ‘Farm-players’ sent them over from the Bolivar for their Pig-sty scene—and now poor Mr. Mary, Sir M’riss, and Mr. Fisher are fighting it out, and Mrs. Mary, her ladyship, has joined the struggle.”

“Murder!” called a voice.

“Glory be to God.”

Mrs. Sixsmith rolled her eyes.

“Da!” she gasped, as Lady Mary, a trifle dazed but decked in smiles, came bustling in.

“Oh, Men! Men! Men!” she exclaimed, going off into a hearty laugh. “Rough, angelic brutes...!”