Page:Firecrackers a realistic novel.pdf/102

 I think she's very clever, Vera, who had now reassumed some semblance of a cheerful, social tone, informed her friends.

She uses her fan well, Campaspe tossed her.

Doesn't she? Vera gushed, grateful for this first slight attention.

It's almost as big as her voice, Consuelo piped up.

Campaspe arrided her. Quite, you delicious child! When do your friends come on, Paul?

They follow this number.

Then we arrived just in time.

Rather, too early. Bayes will sing for half-an-hour.

This apparently mantic prognostication proved to be entirely correct. Miss Bayes rendered song after song, and when, at last, she seemed willing to desist, the crowd in the theatre, by its exuberant applause, persuaded her to begin another, and another, and another. In the end, she made a little speech, kissed her hand, waved her fan in a final flourish, and disappeared from view. Even then, even, indeed, after the illuminated placard had signalled the appearance of the Brothers Steel: Acrobats, the clapping of hands persisted. As it seemed impossible, however, to drag the popular entertainer out again, a general exodus began, and the trio offered the opening moments of their act to an audience composed largely of retreating backs.

It's my O'Grady! Consuelo cried, and then, an-