"Now," she went on, "I suppose that you wish to have an explanation."
"I cannot deny that I feel curious. But I will not be inquisitive...."
"And I will be candid. It is not in order to satisfy your curiosity that I am prepared to give you an explanation, but because I hope that you will help me. You are probably the only person who can."
I trust that my dear readers do not place so much confidence in Patrick Cooper as did Miss Doblana. I don't want to mislead anybody by insinuating that her belief in my capacities was in any way justified. But I must state one thing: My heart leaped up. Not only were we to share a secret, but I was to be allowed to help her! I accordingly promised what you may expect: discretion and help.
"I must begin at the beginning."
(Holy Sergeant Young, you will be pleased with this young lady who shares your principles.)
"I am taking singing lessons. People say I have a nice voice. It is not a strong one, but it is expressive. My aim is to become an operatic singer, though my father strongly objects. This is strange, as mother herself was a singer. Yet, strange as it may seem, there is a reason for it. When mother married she did not tell him that she was a sister of no lesser person than La Carina. Of course, you know La Carina?"
I did not, and I thought best to plead guilty.
"You do not know La Carina?" exclaimed Mitzi. "But then—then—then I must begin at the beginning."
(Holy Sergeant Young, etc., etc., as before.)