“LA-DEEZ AND GEN-TUL-men!”
The voice boomed out and people stopped where they stood. A man in evening clothes had stepped through the curtain and was calling for attention.
“You have seen our regular performance. We hope it has pleased you and you will come again next year. But if you will kindly remain in your seats, the ushers will pass around with tickets for the after-show. We have prepared for your especial delectation a little farce entitled, ‘It Happens on Pallas.’ Now, ladeez and gen’men, I assure you that this sketch was prepared solely for your entertainment and any resemblance of any character in it to any real person is purely coincidental. It is all in fun, and no offense intended. I thank you.”
Billy Neville was bolt upright in his seat by then and his eyes glinted hard th
