And so the winter came again, and the amenities of the holidays and some joyous little dinners with Frieda. I went one day to call on Richetti, and the maestro threw himself upon me and clasped me in his arms.
"Amico carissimo! It is a delight to see you! Everywhere I hear of you as an author pregiatissimo, but you go not out into the world where thousands are dying to know you! About la signora! What shall I say! It was a day to be marked with a white stone when you brought her to me. We are giving back to the world a pearl of great price. She has the voice, amico mio, and she has the natural method! But more than all else her voice is simpatica, it throbs and thrills, it enlists love and affection and the desire to listen forever. At her feet the world will kneel some day. She will be mentioned in the same breath as our greatest prime donne. In three weeks I give my concert. Every one will be there. I have given hints to many, made much mystery. She will come out in all her beauty, dressed in a very fine gown, the last on the programme, so that she will be a revelation. People will go away and clamor at her greatness. I am Richetti! I know what I speak of!"
In his enthusiasm he slapped me severely on the back, and I hurried home.
"Frances!" I exclaimed, breathlessly. "Richetti is getting crazy about you. He bubbles over with enthusiasm. Moreover, Jamieson says he is a wise old guy. The maestro says you must have a very fine gown to wear at the concert. Where is the gown?"
She cast her eyes down at the floor.
"I—I suppose I will manage to——"
"You ought to be ashamed of yourself," I told her, severely. "It is a most important matter which we have inexcusably neglected. Come out with me at once and we will buy one."
"Oh, no, Dave, I was thinking that I have a very nice white lace gown I brought from Paris when I first came over, which could——"
"You have no business to think such things. Who is that coming up the stairs? Hello, always on hand when you are most needed, Frieda. I want you to go at once with Frances to the most expensive shop on Fifth Avenue and buy her a concert gown. Here are a hundred dollars."
"That would buy two sleeves and maybe a few flounces," said Frieda, quietly.