'It is I who should thank you,' she answered. 'It will be my greatest part. Never have I had so many glorious situations in a part. Do you like my limp?' She smiled, her head on one side. Success glittered in those orbs. 'You limp adorably,' I said. 'It is my profession to make compliments,' Villedo broke in; and then, turning to Morenita, '_N'est-ce pas, ma belle créature_? But really'--he turned to me again--'but very sincerely, all that there is of most sincerely, dear madame, your libretto is made with a virtuosity astonishing. It is _du théâtre_. And with that a charm, an emotion...! One would say--' And so it continued, the flattering stream, while Diaz listened, touched, and full of pride. 'Ah!' I said. 'It is not I who deserve praise.' An electric bell trembled in the theatre. Morenita picked up her cloak. '_Mon ami_,' she warned Villedo. 'I must go. Diaz, _mon petit_! you will persuade Mademoiselle Peel to come to the room of the Directeur later. Madame, a few of us will meet there--is it not so, Villedo? We shall count on you, madame. You have hidden yourself too long.' I glanced at Diaz, and he nodded. As a fact, I wished to refuse; but I could not withstand the seduction of Morenita. She had a physical influence which was unique in my experience. 'I accept,' I said. '_A tout à l'heure_, then,' she twittered gaily; and they left as they had come, Villedo affectionately toying with Morenita's hand. Diaz remained behind a moment. 'I am so glad you didn't decline,' he said. 'You see, here in this theatre Morenita is a queen. I wager she has never before in all her life put herself out of the way as she has done for you to-night.' 'Really!' I faltered. And, indeed, as I pondered over it, the politeness of these people appeared to be marvellous, and so perfectly accomplished. Villedo, who has made a European reputation and rejuvenated his theatre in a dozen years, is doubtless, as he said, a professional maker of compliments. In his position a man must be. But, nevertheless, last night's triumph is officially and very genuinely Villedo's. While as for Morenita and Diaz, the mere idea of these golden stars waiting on me, the librettist, effacing themselves, rendering themselves subordinate at such a moment, was fantastic. It passed the credible.... A Diaz standing silent and deferential, while an idolized prima donna stepped down from her throne to flatter me in her own temple! All that I had previously achieved of renown seemed provincial, insular.