"Oh, that's what all of them say! . . . while in truth, each of them runs away either from something . . . or for something. . . ."
Janina was conscious of an accent of hidden malice in her voice. "Do you know, madam, how soon the musical director will arrive?" she asked.
"I don't!" snapped back the elderly woman, and walked away.
Janina moved back a little, for just then the workmen were spreading a huge waxed canvas over the stage. She was gazing at this absent-mindedly, when the elderly woman reappeared and addressed her in a milder tone, "I will give you a piece of advice, miss. . . . It is necessary for you to win over the musical director."
"But how am I to do it?"
"Have you money?"
"I have, but—"
"If you will listen to me, I will advise you."
"Certainly."
"You must get him a little drunk, then the rehearsal will come off splendidly."