Evening star., 1921-12-11

houses" these extended journeys into
the remote districts Of our vast coun-
try are no sinecure or pleasure trips,
even for such artists as have tried
to salve some Of their troubles by
purchasing private railroad cars. I,
too, got one of those expensive toys
for while, but could never find 1t
when wanted it. Or, il did. it was
miles down the yards" and to reach
it I had to plow through the mud.
So 1 rejoiced at joining the common
people" again and contenting myself
with a parlor car chair-when could
get one!
But rtrouble is well repaid. We
find love and acclamation everywhere.
and the chill of frigid railway car
is soon forgotten in the warmth and
affection that radiate from our audi
ences outside of New York. I have
sung in every city of Importance in
America, and. judging from the re-
ception my sometimes heavy program
receives, Main Streets" indictment of
our country's culture may well be
questioned. I find for the most part
my audiences singularly hearty and
unrepressed. know from expert
ence that the bluff good-hearted-
ness" Of the middle westerner is not
greatly exaggerated. 1t is an engag-
ing and charming quality. which
ship and mutual understanding.
r X + X
MOT long ago was headed for Chi
cago, due to sing there the even
ing Of my arrival. Had the train
been on time, there would have been
ample time for me to, go to my hotel.
to dine (ever SO lightly-the penalty
of artD. to dress and to make my
way leisurely to the hall. But we
were not on time, and as the minutes
sped by and the train crawled behind
them I began to wonder if should
get there even in time to rush
straight to the hall from the station.
In order to save time, 1 donned my
recital gown in my drawing room on
the train. watching eagerly out OF
the window the while for landmarks
that might indicate the approach OF
our destination. I have always hated
to keep my audiences waiting-even
few minutes--and the prospect Of
keeping them for an hour wondering
whether ! was ever coming nearly
made me distraught. And, oh. that
awful train!
At last it dragged itself into La
Sale street station, and, followed by
my maid. my accompanist and a pair
of bewildered porters, I rushed. all
ready to go "on," down the station
platform. 1t was $3.50. I was already
a quarter of an hour late. and I could
just see the distracted manager won:
dering whatever had become of me.
Without even waiting to see whether
any one had been sent to call for me,
fairly dived toward the taxi sta
tion-only to see a portly Chicagoan
getting into the last one there! He
turned around when he heard my ex-
clamation of disn1ay.
young lady," he asked, with a ia
miliar kindliness that no New Yorker
would ever dare to assume to a
woman he didn't know for fear of
being arrested, ARE you in pretty
big rush to get where you're going?"
Grateful for any opportunity that
might enable me to make time, as
sured him I was-in a terrible rush!
oil 1,n GcrSvr
you're going in my direction, why
just jump right aboard. I'm going to
the Orchestra Hall, and I guess I'm
kind of late right now"
I almost laughed as 1 said was
hurryink to get to the very same
place!
Just then my companions and por-
ters came up, putting with the exer-
tion of their undue haste.
Were all hurrying to get there
I added. r., .-
The kind stranger looked q bit as
tonished at this unexpected addition
to the family, but genially waved US
all aboard.
by this singer Braslau," began the
stranger.
assured him that we were.
well. that's where I'm going. too.
Amt never heard her, but I hear
she's quite gal. Makes 'em sit up,
she does. Hope we don't miss much"
''oh. don't think you'll miss any
thing" promised him.
"Well. dunno" he drawled dubi-
ously. "It's right late now"
'T know. But. then. you see. the
concert can't very well start until I
get there"
mo? How's that? You got pull?"
He guffawed at the idea. Maybe
you know Madam Braslaur
"Yes. pretty well. You see. I'm