A youngish composer in pass of becoming famous was discoursing from a music stool to two thick men whose backs looked old, and three slender women whose backs looked young.

Behind the screen the great lady had only two persons with her: a man and a woman, who sat side by side on arm-chairs at the foot of her couch.

She extended her hand to the Assistant Commissioner.
"I never hoped to see you here to-night.

Annie told me--" "Yes.

I had no idea myself that my work would be over so soon." The Assistant Commissioner added in a low tone.