eight o'clock
Nichoune was indeed the star of the company ! She was rather pretty , her face was intelligent , and what was rare enough in that hall , her tone was almost pure and true , and , above all , she sang popular ditties so that the audience could join in the chorus . As usual , after every singer , male or female , there were loud demands for Nichoune . Her admirers were merciless : they had no consideration for her fatigue : they would have kept her on the platform from eight o'clock till midnight ! The manager rushed to Nichoune 's dressing-room . `` Come ! Come at once !