He came with several friends directly from Rector's in a carriage.

In the lobby he met Drouet, who was just returning from a trip for more cigars.

All five now joined in an animated conversation concerning the company present and the general drift of lodge affairs.
"Who's here ?" said Hurstwood, passing into the theatre proper, where the lights were turned up and a company of gentlemen were laughing and talking in the open space back of the seats.
"Why, how do you do, Mr.Hurstwood ?" came from the first individual recognized.
"Glad to see you," said the latter, grasping his hand lightly.
"Looks quite an affair, doesn't it ?" "Yes, indeed," said the manager.
"Custer seems to have the backing of its members," observed the friend.
"So it should," said the knowing manager.

"I'm glad to see it." "Well, George," said another rotund citizen, whose avoirdupois made necessary an almost alarming display of starched shirt bosom, "how goes it with you ?" "Excellent," said the manager.
"What brings you over here?
You're not a member of Custer." "Good-nature," returned the manager.

"Like to see the boys, you know." "Wife here ?" "She couldn't come to-night.