“Where?”
“First at Pastern’s, then at the Castle.”
These places were just without the orbit of extravagance. She knew her answer was not exactly a stock-raiser, and added:
“But I expect to be on the road in the Spring——”
“Who with?”
She mentioned a light opera troupe that was just short of broad and unqualified approval—like Brandt’s and Pastern’s—an institution as yet without that mysterious toppiness which needs no props and meets sanction anywhere. These things are exactly ordered.
“But you are so good—you should be with people who would help you.”
She looked at him a little scornfully, something of weather and stress under the summer hat. She decided to be agreeable. “They all say that,” she said wearily.
“I’m sorry. I said just what I thought.”
“Study—a girl without a cent!” She lowered her voice: “Go with better people—before one is invited? Swing to the top of the opera before one is sufficiently urged?... Why, singing isn’t all. One must do more than sing——”