In the evening there was a First Night. No First Nights are possible without the appearance of certain people, of whom Mr. Alec Feilding was one. He attended, bringing with him his wife. Some of the men who had been at the private view were also present at the performance, but not many, because the followers of one art do not--as they should--rally round any other. But all the dramatic critics were there, and all the regular first-nighters, including the wreckers--who go to pit and gallery--and the friends of the author and those of the actors. Between the acts there was a good deal of circulation and talking. Alec presented a good many more gentlemen to his wife. Before they went home Mrs. Feilding had made a dozen more friends for life, and placed her Sunday evenings on a firm and solid basis. Her social success--at least among the men--was assured from this first day. CHAPTER XXIV THE CUP AND THE LIP Two days after the Private View Alec Feilding repaired, by special invitation, to Mr. Jagenal's office. 'I have sent for you, Alec,' said the solicitor, _ami de famille_, 'in continuance of our conversation of the other day--about that little windfall, you know.' 'I am not likely to forget it. Little windfalls of a thousand pounds do not come too often.' 'They do not. Meantime another very important event has happened. I saw the announcement in the paper, and I received your note----' 'You are the only person--believe me--to whom I have thought it right to explain the circumstances----' 'Yes? The explanation, at all events, is one that may be given in the same words--to all the world. I have no knowledge of Mrs. Feilding's friends, or of any obstacles that have been raised to her marriage! But I am rather sorry, Alec, that you sent her to me under a false name, because these things, if they get about, are apt to make mischief.' 'I assure you that this plan was only adopted in order the more effectually to divert suspicion. It was with the greatest reluctance that we consented to enter upon a path of deception. I knew, however, in whose hands I was. At any moment I was in readiness to confess the truth to you. In the case of a stranger the thing would have been impossible. You, however, I knew, would appreciate the motive of our action, and sympathise with the necessity.' Mr. Jagenal laughed gently--behind the specious words he discerned--something--the shapeless spectre which suspicion calls up or creates. But he only laughed. 'Well, Alec,' he said, 'marriage is a perfectly personal matter. You are a married man. You had reasons of your own for concealing the fact. You are now enabled to proclaim the fact. That is all anybody need know. We condone the little pretence of the widowhood. Armorel Rosevean has lost her companion; whether she has also lost her friend I do not know. The rest concerns yourself alone. Very good. You are a married man. All the more reason that this little windfall should be acceptable.'