Farnsworth laughed gently as Patty’s mouth suddenly curved upward in an involuntary smile, then, as it drooped again, she said; “I believe I’ll tell you.”
“Just as you think best. I wonder if you remember a promise you made me once.”
“Oh, Little Billee, how did you know it referred to that?”
“Something seemed to hint it to me. Well, out with it. Are you still stage-struck?”
“No, but that manager, Mr. Stengel, won’t give up the idea of putting me on in light opera. He says——”
“He says? Has he written to you?”
“No, Maude wrote me what he said. Any way, he thinks I have remarkable talent, and——”
“You haven’t, Patty. Not remarkable talent. You have a pretty, light-weight voice, and a—h’m—shall we say an attractive appearance; but more than that is required for an opera success, even light opera. Forgive me, Apple Blossom, I know I am hurting your feelings, but it’s better you should know the truth.”
“Then why does Mr. Stengel want to put me into his plays?”
“He thinks you would look graceful and pretty and would be a drawing card for a time. Then, when your freshness wore off, as it would soon, he would throw you over like a worn-out toy.”