The manager's professional eye followed her out respectfully--he looked as if he approved of the exit, from a theatrical point of view.
What new misfortune had befallen the play?
The last and worst of all misfortunes had assailed it.

The stout lady had resigned her part.
Not maliciously.

Her heart, which had been in the right place throughout, remained inflexibly in the right place still.

Her explanation of the circumstances proved this, if nothing else did.

The letter began with a statement: She had overheard, at the last rehearsal (quite unintentionally), personal remarks of which she was the subject.