Sullivan has to mix a good deal with that class, you know; it’s his business, — but there will be a lot of good people there. You’ll come, won’t you? It’s to celebrate the five hundredth performance of ‘My Queen.’ Rosetta Rosa is coming.”

“I shall be charmed. But I should have thought you wouldn’t ask Rosa after what you’ve just said.”

“Not ask Rosa! My dear Carl, she simply won’t go anywhere. I know for a fact she declined Lady Casterby’s invitation to meet a Serene Highness. Sir Cyril got her for me. She’ll be the star of the show.”

The theatre darkened once more. There were the usual preliminaries, and the orchestra burst into the prelude of the second act.