Alma ridiculed these compositions, mocking at the sentimentalism of the words, and declaring that the airs were mere popular tinkle; but people not inferior to her in judgment liked the music, which certainly had a sweetness and pathos not easy to resist.  The wonder was how such a man as Felix Dymes could give birth to such tender melody.  The vivacity of his greeting when of a sudden he recognised Alma, contrasted markedly with Cyrus Redgrave’s ill-concealed embarrassment in the like situation.  Dymes had an easy conscience, and in the chat that followed he went so far as to joke about his ill-luck some four years ago.

’You didn’t think much of me.  But I’m going ahead, you know.  You have to admit I’m going ahead.’

Prosperity was manifest in his look and voice.  He had made no advance in refinement, and evidently thought himself above the necessity of affecting suave manners; his features seemed to grow even coarser; his self-assertion was persistent to the point of grotesque conceit.

‘Is your husband musical?’ he asked.

‘Not particularly.’

’Well, there’s something to be said for that.  One doesn’t always want to be talking shop. —­ I can’t help looking at you; you’ve altered in a queer sort of way.  You were awfully fetching, you know, in those days.’

‘You were awfully impertinent,’ replied Alma, with a laugh.  ’And I don’t see that you’ve altered at all in that respect.’

‘Do you play still?’

‘A good deal better than I used to.’

’Really?  If it’s true, why don’t you come out?  I always believed in you —­ I did really.  There’s no better proof of it than what I said at Munich; you were the only girl that could have brought me to that, you know; it was quite against my principles.  Have you heard of Ada Wellington? —­ a girl I’m going to bring out next spring —­ a pianist; and she’ll make a hit.  I should like you to know her.’

‘How do you mean you are going to bring her out?’

’Do all the business for her, you know; run the show.  Not as a speculation; I don’t want to make anything out of it, more than expenses.  I know her ’people; they’re very badly off, and I shall be glad if I can do them a good turn.  There’s nothing between us; just friends, that’s all.  If ever you come out, put the business into my hands, will you?’

‘I won’t promise,’ replied Alma, ’until I see how you succeed with Miss Wellington.’

’Shall it be an understanding?  If I float Ada, you’ll let me have a try with you?’

’We’ll talk of it, Mr. Dymes, when you have learnt the elements of good manners.’

She nodded in a friendly way, and left him.

Their next meeting was at a music-shop, where Dymes came in whilst Alma was making purchases.  The composer, clad in a heavy fur overcoat, entered humming a tune loudly, by way of self-advertisement; he was at home here, for the proprietors of the business published his songs.  On perceiving Alma, he dropped his blustering air, bowed with exaggerated politeness, and professed himself overjoyed.