The carriage appeared. Hastily they said goodbye; hastily Laura expressed to Mrs. Cressler her appreciation and enjoyment. Corthell saw them to the carriage, and getting in after them shut the door behind him. They departed.

Laura sank back in the cool gloom of the carriage’s interior redolent of damp leather and upholstery.

“What an evening! What an evening!” she murmured.

On the way home both she and Page appealed to the artist, who knew the opera well, to hum or whistle for them the arias that had pleased them most. Each time they were enthusiastic. Yes, yes, that was the air. Wasn’t it pretty, wasn’t it beautiful?

But Aunt Wess’ was still unsatisfied.