r she had an
inward conviction that he was right; she had heard the truth. It was
almost two different beings that left Signor Maria's house. Silently
Roland handed Denas into the waiting cab, silently he seated himself
beside her.

"I am afraid I have disappointed you, Roland."

"Yes, a little. But we are going now to Mr. Harrison's. There is
nothing foreign about him. He is English, and he knows what English
people like. I shall wait for his verdict, Denas."

"It was a long ride to Mr. Harrison's, and Roland did not speak until
they were at his door. This professor was a blond, effusive, large man
of enthusiastic temperament. He was delighted to listen to Mrs.
Tresham, and he saw possibilities for her that Signor Maria never
would have contemplated; though when Roland told him what Maria had
said he endorsed his opinion so far as to admit the excellence of such
a training for a great prima donna.

"But Mrs. Tresham may learn just as well by experience as by method,"
he averred. "She sings as the people enjoy singing. She sings their
songs. She has a powerful voice, which will grow stronger with use. I
think Mr. Willis will give her an immediate engagement. Suppose we go
and see. Willis is at the hall, I should say, about this time."

This seemed a practical and flattering offer, and Roland gladly
accepted it. Willis Hall was soon reached. It was used only for
popular concerts and very slight dramas in which there was a great
deal of singing and dancing. It had a well-appointed stage and
scenery, but the arrangement of the seats showed a general democracy
and a great freedom of movement for the audience.

"Willis is always on the lookout for novelties," said Professor
Harrison, "and I am sure these fishing songs will 'fetch' such an
audience as he has."

As he was speaking Mr. Willis approached. He listened to Professor
Harrison's opinion and kept his eyes on Denas while he did so. He
thought her appearance taking, and was pleased to give her voice a
trial. The hall was empty and very dull, but a piano was pulled
forward to the front of the stage and Roland took his seat before it.
Denas was told to step to the front and sing to the two gentlemen in
the gallery. They applauded her first song enthusiastically, and Denas
sang each one better. But it was not their applause she listened
to--it was the soft praises of Roland, his assurances of her success,
which stimulated her even beyond her natural power.

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