She was thoroughly orthodox, and had the defensive and aggressive fervor which is the temper of militant orthodoxy.
And so more keenly than ever, because she was more determined than ever, Maggie studied the groups of well-dressed men and women who ate and danced at the Ritzmore, among whom she circulated in her short, smart skirt with her cigarette tray swung from her neck by a broad purple ribbon.

Particularly she liked the after-theater crowd, for then only evening wear was permitted in the supper-room and the people were at their liveliest.

She liked to watch the famous professional couple do their specialties on the glistening central space with the agile spot-lights always bathing them; and then watch the smartly dressed guests take the floor with the less practiced and more humble steps.
Sometime soon she was going to have clothes as smart as any of these.
Soon she would be one of these brilliant people, and have a life more exciting than any.

Very soon--for her apprenticeship was almost over! Barney Palmer had these last few months, since he had discovered in Maggie a star who only needed coaching and then an opportunity, made it a practice to come for Maggie occasionally when one o'clock, New York's curfew hour, dispersed the pleasure-seekers and ended Maggie's day of work, or rather her day of intensive schooling for her greater life.

On the night of his return from Chicago, which was a week after his break with Larry, Barney reported to take Maggie home.