"Now to business!" he exclaimed. "This is jolly good fun, but I've a long night in front of me, and I've got work to do in it. Where is Steadman?"
"You don't mean you really are trying to find anyone?"
She shrugged her shoulders. It was clear, even to Ralston, that she was disappointed.
"You _know_ him?" Ralston's gaze penetrated her feathers.
"Yes. But I don't know where he is--and what is more, I don't care. He's a cad."
"Well, let it go at that. But I've got to find him. How long is it since you've seen him?"
"Oh, the usual business. He's badly in. Let him go; he's not worth your while."
"I didn't say he was. But he must be turned up. Was he drinking?"
"He's a bad one," continued the partridge. "He began at the bottom and worked down."
"You must help me to find him. Who is he running with?"
"I don't know anything about him. I've heard he knows a girl named Florence Davenport. If you can find her she might help you."
"On Forty-sixth Street," and she gave him a number.
Ralston arose and put his hand in his pocket.
"I am very much indebted to you," he said courteously. "You won't mind if I make good your fine?"
He drew out a bill and placed it in her hand. She raised her eyebrows at sight of its denomination.
"No," she said, "I haven't done anything for you. I don't want the money."
"That's all right," she replied, shrugging her shoulders. "I could have gone on--if I'd wanted to. I was merely bluffing. You couldn't have held me. You're a gentleman, and I don't want the money." She spoke quietly, and looked him full in the face. Ralston wavered.
"Please don't," said the girl, and held out the bill. Ralston took it and returned it to his pocket.
"Miss Hudson," said he, "you have placed me under a great obligation, one that money cannot repay. If I can ever help you in any way let me know."
The partridge got up and led the way toward the staircase. At the top she held out her hand and Ralston took it in his.
"He's not worth it," she repeated. "Let him go."
"_Noblesse oblige_," he smiled, looking down at her.
The chorus had filed off the stage and were standing on the other side.
"Here you, Hudson! Where have you been?" whispered the manager hoarsely, grasping her roughly by the shoulder. "Get over there."