"No, but I shall get it."
"You may have to pay high for it—yes?"
She colored, but did not flinch. "At worst, it will be—unpleasant, but that's all."
"Wait one—two days—until you hear from me. I may—I do not say will, but may—get it. Yes, I who have nothing." He laughed gayly. "And we—you and I—we will divide the spoils." Gravely. "Do not misunderstand. That was my little joke. If I get the money for you it will be quite honorable and businesslike. So—wait, dear young lady."
As she was going, she could not resist saying:
"You are SURE I can sing?—IF, of course—always the if."
"It is not to be doubted."
"How well, do you think?"
"You mean how many dollars a night well? You mean as well as this great singer or that? I do not know. And you are not to compare yourself with anyone but yourself. You will sing as well as Mildred Gower at her best."
For some reason her blood went tingling through her veins. If she had dared she would have kissed him.