Soon enough Jeanne was to know this, for, little as she had dreamed it, hers on that occasion was to be the stellar role.
It was Marjory Dean who had entered. With her was the entire cast of “The Magic Curtain.”
“He has asked that we conduct a dress rehearsal here for the benefit of a few choice friends,” Miss Dean whispered in Jeanne’s ear, as soon as she could draw her aside.
“A strange request, I’ll grant you,” she answered Jeanne’s puzzled look. “Not half so strange as this, however. He wishes you to take the stellar role.”
“But, Miss Dean!”
“It is his party. His word is law in many places. You will do your best for me.” She pressed Jeanne’s hand hard.
Jeanne did her best. And undoubtedly, despite the lack of a truly magic curtain, despite the limitations of the improvised stage, the audience was visibly impressed.
At the end, as Jeanne sank from sight beneath the stage, the great sculptor leaned over to whisper in Marjory Dean’s ear:
“She will do it!”
“What did I tell you? To be sure she will!”