"Yes," she answered, haughtily, as if in resentment of his tone. She added in concession, "Unavoidably. But Salome doesn't come on till the end of the act."
"I think it best for the whole company to be present from the beginning," said Godolphin.
"I quite agree with you," said Mrs. Harley. "Where are we?" she asked, and then she caught sight of Louise, and came up to her. "How do you do, Mrs. Maxwell? I don't know whether I'm glad to see you or not. I believe I'm rather afraid to have you see my Salome; I've an idea you are going to be very severe with her."
"I am sure no severity will be needed. You'll see me nodding approval all the way through," Louise returned.
"I have always thought, somehow, that you had the part especially under your protection. I feel that I'm a very bold woman to attempt it."
In spite of her will to say "Yes, a very bold woman indeed!" Louise answered: "Then I shall admire your courage, as well as your art."
She was aware of Godolphin fretting at the colloquy he could not interrupt, and of Mrs. Harley prolonging it wilfully. "I know you are sincere, and I am going to make you tell me everything you object to in me when it's over. Will you?"
"Of course," Louise answered, gayly; and now Mrs. Harley turned to Godolphin again: "Where were you?"