"You have joined our company, miss?" she inquired with a sharp energetic voice, piercing Janina with her round, owl-like eyes.
"Not quite. . . . I am about to have a trial with the musical director. Ah, yes, Mr. Cabinski even said that it was to take place before the performance! . . ." she cried, recalling what he had told her.
"Aha! with that drunkard . . ."
Janina glanced at her, surprised.
"Have you set your heart on being with us, miss?"
"In the theater? . . . yes! . . . I journeyed here for that very purpose."
"From whence?" asked the elderly woman abruptly.
"From home," answered Janina, but more quietly and with a certain hesitation.
"Ah . . . I see . . . you are entirely new to the profession! . . .
Well, well! that is curious! . . ."
"Why? . . . why should it be so strange for one who loves the theater to try to join it? . . ."