"They think it means what you Americans call morals--as if that were all of morality! But it doesn't mean morals; not at all. Sex and the game of sex is all through life everywhere--in the home no less than in the theater. In town and country, indoors and out, sunlight, moonlight, and rain--always it goes on. And the temptations and the struggles are no more and no less on the stage than off. No, there is too much talk about 'morals.' The reason the great one says 'don't' is the work." He shook his head sadly. "They do not realize, those eager young beginners. They read the story-books and the lives of the great successes and they hear the foolish chatter of common-place people--those imbecile 'cultured' people who know nothing! And they think a career is a triumphal march. What think you, Miss Gower--eh?" "If I had known I'd not have had the courage, or the vanity, to begin," said she. "And if I could realize what's before me, I probably shouldn't have the courage to go on." "But why not? Haven't you also learned that it's just the day's work, doing every day the best you can?" "Oh, I shall go on," rejoined she. "Yes," said he, looking at her with awed admiration. "It is in your face. I saw it there, the day you came--after you sang the 'Batti Batti' the first time and failed." "There was nothing to me then." "The seed," replied he. "And I saw it was an acorn, not the seed of one of those weak plants that spring up overnight and wither at noon. Yes, you will win." He laughed gayly, rolled his eyes and kissed his fingers. "And then you can afford to take a little holiday, and fall in love. Love! Ah, it is a joyous pastime--for a holiday. Only for a holiday, mind you. I shall be there and I shall seize you and take you back to your art." In the following winter and summer Crossley disclosed why he had been sufficiently interested in grand opera to begin to back undeveloped voices. Crossley was one of those men who are never so practical as when they profess to be, and fancy themselves, impractical. He became a grand-opera manager and organized for a season that would surpass in interest any New York had known. Thus it came about that on a March night Mildred made her debut.