Unconsciously
she drew herself a little away. Her eyes travelled around the crowded
house and suddenly rested on the box which her visitor had just vacated.
Seated behind the curtains, but leaning slightly forward, her eyes fixed
intently upon Prince Shan, was La Belle Nita, a green opera cloak thrown
around her dancing costume, a curious, striking little figure in the
semi-obscurity.
"You have some one waiting for you in your box," Maggie told him.
He glanced across the auditorium and rose to his feet. She gave him
credit for the adroitness of mind which rejected the obvious
explanation of her presence there.
"I must go," he said simply, "but I have many things which I desire to
say to you. You will not forget to-morrow afternoon?"
"I shall not forget," she answered, in a low tone.
CHAPTER XV
There was a half reluctant admiration in Prince Shan's eyes as he sat
back in the dim recesses of his box and scrutinised his visitor. La
Belle Nita had learnt all that Paris and London could teach her.
"You are very beautiful, Nita," he said.
"Many men tell me so," she answered.
"Life has gone well with you since we met last?" he asked reflectively.
"The months have passed," she replied.
"You have been faithful?"
"Fidelity is of the soul."
He paused, as though pondering over her answer. A famous French comedian
was holding the stage, and the house rocked with laughter.
"You have the same apartment?"
She pressed the clasp of a black velvet bag which rested on the edge of
the box, opened it, and passed him a key.
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