“Been on leave up to Wady Haifa, and now on my way back to Madrid.”
“And to the Teatro Real—eh?” added his friend with a sly grin.
“No. She’s in London. An engagement there.”
“And you’re not in London! Why?”
“Can’t get my leave extended, or, you bet, I’d be back in town like a shot. What would I give for a bit dinner at the St. James’s Club and a stroll along Piccadilly.”
“Of course. But how’s the lady?”
“Very well—I believe. I had a wire yesterday telling me of her great success at the Palace. The newspapers are full of her photographs and all that.”
“And all the nuts in town running madly after her—eh? Beatriz likes that.”
Waldron did not reply for a few moments, then, changing the subject, he said:
“Let’s go along to the bar. This crowd is distinctly unpleasant.”