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 of this dress would soon be ranked with the really great artists of the concert stage. Her mother made a point of stopping all chance acquaintances on the street when she was with Dorothy and of mentioning Dorothy’s achievements. If Mrs. Loamford had said, “Do you know the soprano?” instead of “Do you know my daughter?” Dorothy would have been no more embarrassed. Arnold announced that he would buy a box for her first recital. Tommy suggested that he might be able to do something for her, although he omitted to specify the nature of his assistance. The distant relatives looked at her as though she were Mary Garden at least, and mumbled “Fancy that!” in its multifold ramifications to each other.

On graduation day, an envelope from the Harmony Concert Bureau arrived.

“Dear Miss Loamford,” ran the enclosed letter. “We are glad to congratulate you on this happy day—the day that marks the end of your career as a student—and greet you as a full-fledged artist ready to show your wares to the public.

“We have heard fine reports of your ability and gifts. We understand that you are on the highroad to a brilliant future, and we take pleasure in offering our services as managers for your first recital, which doubtless you will give early in the coming season. A successful first recital is essential to future artistic prosperity. We can insure a successful first recital. Artists making their debut under our auspices frequently have made many hundreds of dollars as well as receiving fine reviews from critics.

"We shall be glad to see you at any time and will be glad to hear from you to make an appointment at your earliest convenience."

Mrs. Loamford borrowed the letter and devoted a