Chapter TwoThe applause vibrated round the auditorium.
Men and women were on their feet shouting and clapping.
The noise was thunderous and as Lokita walked into the wings the Stage Manager rushed forward.
“Take a curtain call, m’mselle. For God’s sake take a call! They’re tearing the place apart!”
Before Lokita could reply Miss Anderson’s voice came sharply,
“Certainly not! You know it is part of Mademoiselle’s contract that she should not take curtain calls.”
As she spoke, she wrapped a woollen shawl around Lokita’s shoulders and drew her away down the passage that led to the dressing rooms.
“Mon Dieu! C’est incroyable!” the Stage Manager muttered and hurriedly signalled to the orchestra to play something noisy and calm the excited audience.
Lokita and Miss Anderson climbed the i
