been, but they did not hide their interest in us.

The jewels had been locked away in a safe, except one gorgeous emerald brooch which she was wearing at her neck.

“It appears,” I said, “that in Paris one must not even attend rehearsals without jewels.”

She laughed.

“You think I have a passion for jewels, and you despise me for it.”

“By no means. Nobody has a better right to wear precious stones than yourself.”

“Can you guess why I wear them?”

“Not because they make you look prettier, for that’s impossible.”