The stage, with all its adjustments, had been carefully arranged, the foot-lights were lighted, the piece began.

All went well till nearly the end of the first act, when there was a cry behind the scenes of "Mr.Denis!" Mr.Denis should have rushed on, but Mr.Denis did not rush on.

The play stopped.

Mr.Denis was not in the library, the improvised greenroom; Mr.Denis did not appear when his name was called in stentorian tones by Ralph, or in pathetic falsetto by Charles.

In short, Mr.Denis was not forthcoming.