“What! Just say that again! My old ears must be failing me.”
“I’m going to be a real prima donna! On the stage of a real theatre!”
“Not if I see you first. But elucidate this very extraordinary statement.”
“I will.” But even as she began to speak, Patty caught sight of Nan’s face, and the lack of sympathy, nay, more, the look of positive disapproval she saw there, made her pause a moment. Then she went on, a little defiantly, “I suppose it will strike you queer at first, but you’ll get used to it. Why, Dads, I found out, while I was up in Maine——”
“Down in Maine,” corrected her father.
“Well, any old way to Maine, but I discovered that I have a voice! and more, I have a knack, a taste, a talent, even, for the stage. And,—I’m going to devote my life to it.”
“Devote your life to it!” And Mr. Fairfield’s tone was scathing. “If you’re so anxious for a life of devotion, I’ll put you in a convent. But on the stage! Not if the Court knows herself!”
Patty smiled tolerantly. “I was afraid you’d talk like that at first. It shall now be my duty and my pleasure to make you change your intelligent mind. Nan, you’ll help me, won’t you?”
Patty asked this with some misgiving, for Nan did not look entirely helpful.
“Help you to go on the stage?” was the smiling retort, for Nan quickly decided to keep the discussion in a light key, if possible. “Yes, indeed, after some reputable physician has signed a certificate of your lunacy,—but not while you’re in your right mind.”