Page:Our Little Girl (1923).pdf/172

 and several of Arnold’s friends stopped at their table to comment on the pictures and to wish Dorothy a great success. All vowed that they would be among those present at Aeolian Hall.

“I ought to have a good house,” remarked Dorothy.

“It'll be wonderful,” assented Arnold.

“And I'll have you to thank—for much of it,” responded Dorothy, squeezing his hands warmly.

On Monday, Dorothy decided that the time had come for all good sopranos to go to the offices of their managers. They would look up to her now. She had been recognized.

Maxwell kept her waiting for twenty minutes. At the end of that time, Elsie Freron emerged from his office and stopped on her way out to greet Dorothy.

“My dear, you were in all the Sunday papers!” she announced. “I was thrilled! You must come over and see me sometime. Come to one of my little parties some evening. We have such a good time!”

She breezed out, as Maxwell stepped to the door and beckoned Dorothy to come in.

“You're to be congratulated on your publicity, Miss Reitz,” he commented, as he sank into his chair.

“I thought it was very good.”

“It was remarkable. I can remember a few instances like yours—but a very few. No one has ever had a better introduction to the public. I was telling Tommy Borge just before you came in that it was a triumph for his department. I take it you’re pleased?”

“I’m delighted.”

“I’m glad that you are. You might, if you cared to, drop a hint to that effect to the press department. Tommy has done wonders for you.”

“I’ll do that.”