Such was the reputation enjoyed at this time by Sir Lucien Pyne among
those who had every opportunity of forming an accurate opinion.
Nevertheless, Rita was determined not to succumb without a struggle.
She did not count herself untalented nor a girl to be lightly valued,
and Sir Lucien might prove to be less black than rumor had painted
him. As presently appeared, both in her judgment of herself and in
that of Sir Lucien, she was at least partially correct. He was very
courteous, very respectful, and highly attentive.
Her less favored companions smiled significantly when the familiar
Rolls-Royce appeared at the stage door night after night, never
doubting that Rita Dresden was chosen to "star" in the forthcoming
production, but, with rare exceptions, frankly envying her this good
fortune.
Rita made no attempt to disillusion them, recognizing that it must
fail. She was resigned to being misjudged. If she could achieve
success at that price, success would have been purchased cheaply.
That Sir Lucien was deeply infatuated she was not slow to discover,
and with an address perfected by experience and a determination to
avoid the easy path inherited from a father whose scrupulous honesty
had ruined his professional prospects, she set to work to win esteem
as well as admiration.
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