Baker's horror, she,
too, had a tale to tell about reporters; they had been besetting her for
information about her companion of the Opera.
"But I never see people of that sort, you know," she said, with an accent
that piqued me, though I couldn't help feeling glad that Cadge had gone.
She showered me with messages from Mrs. Marmaduke Van Dam and from Peggy
and Mrs. Henry. She had a dozen plans for my entertainment, but Mrs. Baker
opposed a flurried negative:--
"We'll run no more risks like last night's; Nelly must stay at home--till
folks get used to her."
"Then I can never go anywhere; never!" I cried in despair, yet laughing.
It's impossible sometimes not to laugh at Aunt. But Mrs. Van Dam gave me a
look that promised many things.
"You won't be left in hiding after such a debut; you'll electrify
society!" she said; and when she had gone, I wore away the day wondering
what she meant, until I could send for the afternoon papers.
I laughed until I cried when they came, and cried until I laughed. The red
extras reviewed the occurrence at the Opera from Alpha to Omega,
publishing "statements" from ushers who had shown us to our box; from
people in the audience and from the cab man who drove us home.
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