“Thank you, Mr. Samuel,” said the Chief, “we shan’t require you any more. But I’m afraid your Nur-el-Din will have to break her contract with you.”
“She’s done that already, sir!” said Samuel ruefully.
The Chief sprang to his feet excitedly.
“Broken it already?” he cried. “What do you mean? Explain yourself! Don’t stand there staring at me!”
Mr. Samuel looked startled out of his life.
“There was a bit of a row between her and the stage manager last night about her keeping the stage waiting again,” he said; “and after lunch today she rang up to say she would not appear at the Palaceum to-night or any more at all! It’s very upsetting for us; and I don’t mind telling you, gentlemen, that I’ve been to my solicitors about it...”
“And why the blazes didn’t you come and tell me?” demanded the Chief furiously.
“Well, sir, I thought it was only a bit of pique on her part, and I hoped to be able to talk the lady round. I know what these stars are!”
“You’ve seen her then?” the Chief snapped out.
“No, I haven’t!” Mr. Samuel lamented. “I’ve been twice to the Nineveh—that’s where she’s stopping—and each time she was out!”