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 Ella noted how much more professional Lou seemed, how much more at home she was, in this environment than elsewhere, like a painter who talked stupidly enough in society, but who became a great personage when one saw him at work before his canvas.

Yes, Miss Poore. Mr. Ives wrote the order on a pad that he carried.

Eight pounds of butter.

Yes, Miss Poore.

Five pounds of coffee. You know, mocha and java mixed.

Yes, Miss Poore.

At this point Clara Barnes entered the's store.

O, Countess! Miss Poore! I'm so glad to see you, the girl exclaimed. Last night was quite a success.

You helped to make it so, was the Countess's kind response.

I did what I could. I'm always glad to sing for charity, or. . . she went on rapidly. . . for a cause like this. When I am a grand opera singer I shall always be delighted to donate my services to help others. But that Faust aria! It's so difficult. Do you suppose any one here knows that? No, to them it's just another ballad. You know it. You must have heard Faust (the whole opera, I mean) some time or other in Paris, but in Maple Valley they don't care for classical music, especially in foreign languages. They like songs like I don't