The result was miraculous so far as Carrie’s fortune was concerned. Even during the morning she received a congratulatory message from the manager.
“You seem to have taken the town by storm,” he wrote. “This is delightful. I am as glad for your sake as for my own.”
The author also sent word.
That evening when she entered the theatre the manager had a most pleasant greeting for her.
“Mr. Stevens,” he said, referring to the author, “is preparing a little song, which he would like you to sing next week.”
“Oh, I can’t sing,” returned Carrie.
“It isn’t anything difficult. ‘It’s something that is very simple,’ he says, ‘and would suit you exactly.’”
“Of course, I wouldn’t mind trying,” said Carrie, archly.
“Would you mind coming to the box-office a few moments before you dress?” observed the manager, in addition. “There’s a little matter I want to speak to you about.”
“Certainly,” replied Carrie.