"Fine," was the quiet answer, "but please, Jim, don't climb over the rail and try to get on the stage."
Stuart settled back in his seat with a resolution to be more careful. But in a few moments his resolution was forgotten. From start to finish Harriet received a continuous ovation. In the great songs of the last act her voice swelled into a climax of thrilling spiritual power. The audience rose in their seats and greeted her with such a tribute of enthusiasm New York had rarely seen. Wave after wave of applause swept the house. Her fellow-singers were compelled to lead her out a half-dozen times before the tumult ceased.
The manager, in ecstasies, fell on his knees, and kisses the tips of her fingers.
When Stuart had fought his way through the crowd and reached the stage, he found her alone with her father in her room. Her head was resting on his breast and he was stroking the fair young forehead with tender caressing touch. His eyes were dim with tears and his voice could find no words.
He turned away from the scene and left them alone for a few moments.
He found Nan and asked her to wait for him at the stage door in her automobile until he could give Harriet his congratulations.
She consented with a frown, and begged him to hurry.
He heard the muffled throb of the big limousine draw up at the stage door as he made his way to Harriet's room. Her father was still there and a crowd of musicians, singers, and critics were waiting in a group outside to offer their congratulations.
She was holding them back until his arrival.
When Stuart entered she dropped her father's hand, started toward him with her lips parted in a joyous smile and extended both hands.