After a little pause he turned his head quietly and spoke to her.

'Our friend's introduction was a little vague,' he said. 'My name is

Constantine Logotheti. I am a Greek of Constantinople by birth, or what

we call a Fanariote there. I live in Paris and I occupy myself with

what we call "finance" here. In other words, I spend an hour or two

every day at the Bourse. If I had anything to recommend me, I should

say so at once, but I believe there is nothing.' 'Thank you!' Margaret laughed a little at the words. 'You are very

frank. Madame Bonanni could not remember my name, as she has never seen

me before to-day. I am Miss Donne; I am studying to be an opera-singer,

and I came here for advice. I am English. I believe that is all.' They looked at each other and smiled. Margaret was certainly not

prepossessed in the man's favour at first sight. She detested

over-dressed men, men who wore turquoise rings, and men who had oily

voices; but it was perfectly clear to her that Logotheti was a man of

the world, who knew a lady when he met one, no matter where, and meant

to behave with her precisely as if he had been introduced to her in

Mrs. Rushmore's drawing-room.

'It is my turn to thank you,' he said, acknowledging with a little bow

the favour she had conferred in telling him who she was. 'I fancy you

have not yet seen much of theatrical people, off the stage. Have you?' No,' answered Margaret. 'Why do you ask?' 'I wonder whether you will like them when you do,' said Logotheti.

'I never thought of it. Is Madame Bonanni a good type of them?' 'No,' Logotheti answered, after a moment's reflection. 'I don't think

she is. None of the great ones are. They all have something original,

personal, dominating, about them. That is the reason why they are

great. I was thinking of the average singer you will have to do with if

you really sing in opera. As for Madame Bonanni, she has a heart of

pure gold. We are old friends, and I know her well.' 'I can quite believe that she is kind-hearted,' Margaret answered. But

don't you think, perhaps, that she is just a little too much so?' 'How do you mean?' 'That she might be too kind to tell a beginner just what she really

thinks?' 'No, indeed.' Logotheti laughed at the idea. 'You would not think so if

you knew how many poor girls she sends away in tears because she tells

them the honest truth, that they have neither voice nor talent, and

will fail miserably if they go on. That is real kindness after all!

Have you sung to her?' 'Yes,' answered Margaret.




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