"About this . . . the operetta!" he cried, striking his knee. "Sing, Miss! . . . I have only a little time and I am burning up with this heat."
She began to sing a song of Tosti's. The director listened, but at the same time gazed at Sowinska and pointed to his parched lips.
When Janina had ended, he cried, "Very well . . . we will accept you . . . I must hurry out, for I'm roasting."
"Perhaps you will have a drink of something with us, Mr.
Director? . . ." she queried timidly, understanding the signs that
Sowinska gave her.
He pretended to excuse himself, but in the end remained.
Sowinska ordered the waiter to bring half a bottle of cognac, three beers and some sandwiches, and, having drained her own glass, she hastily left them, saying that she had forgotten something in the dressing-room.
"Halt" shoved his chair nearer to Janina's.
"Hm! . . . you have a voice, miss . . . a very nice voice . . ." he said and laid his big red paw upon her knee, while with the other he began to pour some brandy into his beer.
She moved back a little, disgusted.
"You can put on a bold front on the stage. . . . I will help you . . ." he added, draining his glass at one gulp.