"You deigned to ask for me, madame?" he queried with a courteous bow, signifying that he was ready to listen to her.
"Yes . . . if you please . . . Mr. Director. I wished to ask you . . . perhaps you could," she stuttered, unable for the moment to find the right words to express what she wished to say.
"Pray rest a little, madame, and calm yourself. Is it something very important?" he whispered, bending toward her and at the same time winking significantly to the actors who were looking on.
"Oh, it is very important!" she answered, meeting his gaze. "I wish to ask you, Mr. Director, if you would accept me as a member of your company."
This last sentence she uttered quickly as though fearing that her courage and voice might fail her ere it was spoken.
"Ah! . . . is that all? . . . You wish to be engaged, miss?" He stiffened suddenly, studying her with a critical gaze.
"I journeyed here especially for that purpose. You will not refuse me, Mr. Director, will you?"
"With whom did you appear before?"
"Pardon me, but I don't quite understand."
"With what company? . . . Where?"