I hope--I think--she is now on her way.

In the meantime I propose, with your gracious consent, to continue, our program with the next item, at the conclusion of which, I hope, Mademoiselle will appear." The audience was sympathetic--the audience was ready to be placated.

It gave cordial hearing and warm favour to the singer of Scottish melodies--it even played into Mr.Concert-Director Weiss's hands by according the local singer an encore.

But when he had finally retired there was another wait, a longer one which lengthened unduly, a note of impatience sounded from the gallery; it was taken up elsewhere.

And suddenly Weiss came again upon the platform--this time with no affectation of suave entreaty.