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 (Because Soedlich was in the list of instructors.)

Her mother thought that the St. Cecilia Conservatory would be the best possible place.

(The only conceivable objection being the presence of Soedlich.)

Her father thought that it would be as good a place as any.

For all the fanfares on the theme that only pupils of the uttermost promise would be considered for admission to St. Cecilia, the entrance examination inflicted on Dorothy proved to be simple. A few scales—and the benignant lady at the piano announced that Dorothy had been accepted.

“Of course, my dear,” she said, “you have a great deal to learn. You have a fine soprano voice, although it has been injured by faulty use. But never mind—we’ll correct that. A few years’ study, and you ought to be a very good concert artist. Many girls who have come to us with considerably less natural talent have developed into very fine artists. Those who have not gone directly on the concert stage have been able to give great pleasure to their friends in the home. And, my dear, there is much to be said for music in the home!”

Dorothy then learned that a small deposit would entitle her to tickets at cost for every important concert or operatic performance. Any balance remaining at the end of the term would be credited to her account.

“Nothing is more important,” said the handmaiden of St. Cecilia, “than hearing as much good music as possible. You will not have many evenings to spend socially, my dear, but you will not regret that. We have dances here now and then, which the students of St. Michael’s Conservatory attend. They are so jolly! And before the dances, the St. Michael’s Male Choir always gives us a