The band struck up and played the overture, the curtain was raised, and the performance commenced. When Patti made her appearance she received a perfect ovation—the applause was prolonged to an inordinate extent.
Aveline and Miss Jamblin were both delighted with her. No wonder, seeing that they had never heard her equal.
When the first act was over, Aveline said—
“She’s grand—truly magnificent!”
“Yaas,” drawled Oxmoor, “very good, indeed. A most delightful creature—a child of impulse.”
“And cultivation,” suggested Lady Marvlynn.
“Oh, of course, she has cultivation—that’s generally admitted.”
“Nature has something to do in forming a singer, and art also. It is the union of the two that helps to form a great artiste.”
“Spoken like an oracle,” said the gentleman. “Upon my word, you are a practical philosopher, a critic, and a commentator all in one.”
“You flatter.”