IV + 

There was a matinée at the Regency. At half-past four, Anthony was at the stage-door. + 

The stage-door keeper remembered that five-pound note and the foreign gent. He was civil. Yes, Madam Vander was in the theatre. She had, indeed, just finished her performance. He would see if the⁠—the prince could be admitted. The prince scribbled on a card, placed the card in an envelope, and sealed the envelope. As balm for tender feelings, he gave the doorkeeper a flashing foreign smile and a pound-note. + 

He was kept waiting not more than three minutes. After four, he was ushered into the most sacred dressing-room in Europe. + 

From a silken couch in a silken corner a silken, scented vision rose to meet him. + 

Anthony saw that they were alone. He bowed, kissing the imperious hand. He was regarded with approval by tawny, Slavonic eyes. + 

She peered at the card in her hand. “Who are you,” she said, “that write to me of⁠—of John?” + 

Anthony proceeded to make himself clear. + 

It was nearly six o’clock when he left the theatre. + 