"It's true," said the London girl. "And if a critic comes you treasure him, oh! you treasure him! There are seats and seats waiting for critics. This one poor man puts it as neatly as he can, Miss So-and-So sang "agreeably," then he rushes off to the most adjacent hall, and does the same for the next aspirant to musical honours."
"And you immediately buy a book for press cuttings," quoth Isobel.
"And only that poor one goes in."
"You are the most depressing crowd I ever met," said Jean despairingly.
"That's not all," said the London girl. "After paying for the other performers, you may happen to find that they have already paid the agent in order to appear with you."
"Oh, I believe a lot, but I won't believe that," said Jean.
"You may just as well," said the London girl, "because it happened to me. And it's very good business for the agent."
"Oh dear," cried Jean. "Do be silent about it then. With you in the house, do you think my father would ever allow me to give that concert."
"I sincerely hope he won't," said the London girl heartily.
Betty sat looking very glum.