The carriage drew up to the sidewalk, and the driver threw open the door. "I'll be back in just a minute," said Witherspoon, as he got out; and when he was gone his wife began to apologize for him. "He's always so busy. I used to think that the time might come when he could have more leisure, but it hasn't."
"What an immense place!" said Henry, looking out.
"One of the very largest in the world," Ellen replied. "And the loveliest silks and laces you ever saw." A few moments later she said: "Here comes father."
"Drive out Michigan," Witherspoon commanded. They were whirled away and had not gone far when the merchant, directing Henry's attention, said:
"The Auditorium."
"The what?"
"The Auditorium. Is it possible you never heard of it?"
"Oh, yes, I remember now. It was formally opened by the President."
He did remember it; he remembered having edited telegraph for a newspaper on the night when Patti's voice was first heard in this great home of music.
"Biggest theater in the world," said Witherspoon.