Then, as February passed, and the winds of March began to make themselves felt, things settled down to their usual routine at Bellvieu.
Dorothy, who had resumed her lessons immediately upon Molly’s departure, was fast approaching a point where, Herr Deichenberg declared, she would be able to appear before an audience in the most critical of musical centers. He advised that she immediately seek the opportunity, or allow him to seek one for her.
Again Aunt Betty interposed a mild objection, and the music master, with a sly wink at Dorothy, observed under his breath:
“Just leave it to me.”
This Dorothy did, and with good results, as will be seen.
She dropped the subject entirely when Aunt Betty was around, resolved to wait until the psychological moment arrived to again broach the matter, or until she heard further from Herr Deichenberg.
Two weeks passed and finally Herr Deichenberg came out to the house one morning with Mr. Ludlow, whom he presented to Aunt Betty.
At first the mistress of Bellvieu was inclined to receive the theatrical man coldly, believing he had come to entice her niece away, but gradually, under Herr Deichenberg’s careful urging, she began to see matters in a new light.
“Mr. Ludlow has no desire to take Miss Dorothy avay from you,” said the Herr, earnestly. “Please believe me vhen I tell you. Also believe me vhen I say dat all of Miss Dorothy’s lessons vill go for naught, if she does not seek a time und place to exploit her talents. There is open for her a career of great prominence—of dat I am very sure, but to attain de pinnacle of success, she must first go a few steps above de middle rounds of de ladder. Mr. Ludlow has a good proposition to make to her, und one dat meets with my hearty approval. I beg of you, Mrs. Calvert, listen carefully to vhat he has to say, und deliberate before you give him an answer.”