They knew!
But the students would not now be satisfied, and Helen was obliged to respond to an encore. Trite as is that statement, it expresses the fact, and Helen did finally respond.
When she stepped out to the edge of the platform she revealed herself the true artist. Not the absurd rags, nor the comic make-up hid the personality of Helka Podonsky. The very manner of that graceful bow, the splendid tilt of her pretty curly head and above all the way she carried and caressed her violin proclaimed her the artist.
For an encore she played the "Wellington Etude." This was the composition advertised, and it fully bore out the promised merit.
When finally after the last note, like a bit of spun glass, blew its way to the heaven of true sounds, again came the thunderous applause.
"Just as I expected," groaned Dickey Ripple. "We won't be able to go on with the drama."
"Oh, yes, we will. She will not play another note, not if they take the rafters down, and as soon as the audience discovers that, they will quit," appeased Weasie.
"Oh, they're giving her flowers!" whispered Clare, her eye to the peephole. "An usher just brought a big bunch!"
Helen could be seen accepting the flowers. She bowed gracefully, then glanced at the dangling card. The next moment she had dropped the flowers to the floor, and she stood there, like one transfixed!
Everyone saw what happened! When Helen read the card she dropped the flowers!