Who’s better at the playbill, whose act is longer? Who will get extra applause? We’re all paid otherwise. Why do these nasty, yappy canines get greater than I do? Why? ” “I don’t recognize. ” She was once silent till we reached our room. “The magician says I may still sing ‘The Bee That will get the Honey Doesn’t loaf around the Hive’ since it matches my voice. yet Memnon says no, it’s a trick as the pastors will bitch after which I’ll get a crimson card from Mr. Keith. you spot? Who am i able to belief? And Toscanini should be gazing. He may shout anything in the course of my act. ” We have been in our nightgowns now. together with her hair tied smartly again, she nonetheless appeared younger sufficient to actually be my sister. “Toscanini’s in Italy,” I stated wearily. “Can’t you ignore him? ” She sat down stiffly at the fringe of our mattress. “Any American opera apartment might carry him over. ” “But he’s now not the following now! ” I stated a lot too loudly. Her shoulders curled in, her head bowed down. Ashamed, I took her palms. “Mamma, I intended, don’t fear approximately issues that haven’t occurred. Isn’t this greater than manufacturing unit paintings? You devour in eating places, sleep in inns, and other people clap for you. ” “Yes,” she stated ultimately. “I’m now not on my knees, scrubbing. And there’s no count number, no Galuppi. So certain, it’s greater. ” With that, weariness coated her like a blanket. She kissed me, stretched out in mattress, and used to be asleep. mendacity conscious in my first resort room, I questioned if a few deep harm had gouged away her means for pleasure, as a nasty holiday within the leg leaves a continuing limp. higher, I concluded unfortunately, must be more than enough for her. We slept past due within the morning and went out for what Mamma known as “brunch” and my moment sundae. Hurrying again to the matinee, I requested the query I couldn’t body the evening ahead of: “Mamma, you wrote that you’d gained funds playing. ” “I by no means gamble,” she stated flatly. I studied her face reduce into the crisp blue sky, frivolously soaking up admiring glances as we handed taverns and highway corners. “You performed playing cards for funds, yet that’s now not playing? ” “No, simply because I’m no longer a gambler. along with, we performed Italian video games, scopa and briscola, now not poker. this can be the USA, Lucia. every body performs for funds. The money I despatched you for brand new outfits got here from scopa. Didn’t you recognize? ” How may possibly i do know? “I simply need to be sure Mr. Keith doesn’t discover. ” “But he may discover, or an individual might inform him. ” “One of my enemies? ” “Just anyone. ” “Don’t fear rather a lot. in addition to, don’t you will want a gorgeous commencement gown? ” “A costume doesn’t matter,” I acknowledged rapidly. “I’m your mother,” she acknowledged sharply. “I can come to a decision what concerns. ” We walked the following blocks in silence until eventually we reached the theater. Then she stopped via the degree door and took my palms. “I’m sorry, Lucia, yet hear. think you come back go back and forth with me? I’ll be calmer if you’re the following. Mario might get you're employed within the workplace. you might have sundaes on a daily basis. ” convinced, to shuttle with the vaudeville will be intriguing. i may devour in eating places, sleep in resorts, and put on positive outfits. i may see the United States and never simply the streets of Cleveland.