"I heard you just now—"
"It isn't a nice thing to listen."
"But I couldn't help it—"
"You mean I spoke so loudly?"
"No—but you spoke so distinctly—"
Mrs. Dainton smiled with pleasure. "The critics always said my voice carried well, and that my enunciation was perfect," she said, flattered. "Well, what can I do for you, my dear?"
Martha hesitated and stammered. "I—I am anxious to go on the stage," she faltered.
"What can you do?" inquired Mrs. Dainton.
"I cannot tell until I have tried," confessed Martha.