to Cleo, and, unless she expressly left him, he must stand by
her.

Cleo returned about half-past five and ordered some tea. She said she
was just a little tired, but her face was jubilant as she handed him
two weekly papers that had appeared that day containing laudatory
notices of "The Basha's Favourite," In spite of her attempting to
appear calm, he could see she was very much excited about them, and
when he had read the strings of unblushing falsehood and handed them
back to her in silence, she lovingly let her eye run over them again.
Over the tea, she grew eloquent once more, especially drawing his
attention to the truth of particular phrases and to the admirable
insight and appreciation of the writers. But she volunteered no
information about the business which had occupied her afternoon.
Morgan was somewhat puzzled. He was still inclined to hold to his
belief that she had gone on some harum-scarum chase after money, but
as she did not manifest the least sign of disappointment or dejection,
it was hard to think that her pockets were as empty as before. He
refrained from questioning her, however, for in a grim way he had
begun to derive entertainment from watching her, and he, therefore,
did not wish to interfere with her. He preferred to wait and see what
coup it was she was now preparing.

After tea, Cleo suggested it would be a good idea if she had her
effects removed from the theatre. Her costumes, in particular, she was
eager to have safe at home. So Morgan accompanied her to the theatre.
She had already packed everything in a large trunk, which she now had
carried down. But in the corridor the two commissionaires attached to
the house sternly blocked the way. They were very sorry, but the
lessees' orders were that nothing was to be allowed to pass out,
having regard to the amount still due under the contract for the
theatre.

Cleo passionately ordered them to stand aside. The men insisted that
though the obligation of paying their wages rested on her, they were
still the lessees' servants, and had to obey their orders. Morgan
argued with them quietly, but found them obdurate. He did not know if
this action of the lessees was legal or not, but anyhow money was
owing to them and there seemed to be a show of justice on their side.
He took Cleo aside and besought her to let the matter rest for the
moment, pointing out that, as the men were so determined, there was
nothing else to be done, short of a physica