"What! she dares to meddle with me?"
"I never indulge in gossip, nor do I want to sow hatred, but—"
"What did she say? . . . in the presence of the editor, did you say?
Ah, the vile coquette!"
Majkowska smothered a smile, but hastily replied, "No, I'll not tell you . . . I do not like to repeat gossip!"
"Well, I'll pay her back for it! . . . Wait, we'll teach her a lesson!" hissed the directress.
"Dobek, prompter! . . . get into your box!"
"Ladies and gentlemen, the rehearsal commences!"
"To the stage! to the stage!" was the cry that went up all over the hall as the actors hurried behind the scenes.
"Mr. Director!" called Majkowska, "you can give the role to
Nicolette . . . your wife agrees to it."
"Very well, my dears, very well . . . ."