Page:Our Little Girl (1923).pdf/105

 Fleming interrupted the lecture with a cough.

“Miss Loamford obviously is musical,’ he said. “She seems to have natural pitch and natural placement. Her lower tones are not natural, but I have heard of singers who have overcome this defect by selecting songs which did not tax the lower register.”

“If you could hear my daughter in-"

Fleming continued.

“The upper tones are somewhat shrill. The throat is not relaxed properly. Some singers never acquire this knack. For concert work, however, they are adequate. The middle register is charming when it is not forced. Do not abuse it, Miss Loamford, and it will be an extremely valuable asset. Your diction is quite clear. Evidently you have been well taught in this respect.”

Mrs. Loamford tapped her foot impatiently. Fleming was too slow in getting to the point.

“Now, about a recital-" she said.

He bowed to Dorothy, who was still standing by the piano.

“I always think,” he began cautiously, “that another year or two of study-”

"Why, she is a graduate-" cut in Mrs. Loamford.

Fleming bowed.

“If there is any reason for haste, I must, of course, defer to your judgment. As her mother, you must know, At all events, a summer’s coaching with some competent instructor would be well.”

“Whom would you suggest??”

“There are several. Personally, I like to recommend Michel Soedlich.”

Dorothy smiled happily.

Mrs. Loamford explained that Dorothy had studied with Soedlich at the conservatory.