There was plenty of applause, but she could not help noting how poorly some of the women of alleged ability did.
"I could do better than that," Carrie ventured to herself, in several instances.

To do her justice, she was right.
After it was over she dressed quickly, and as the manager had scolded some others and passed her, she imagined she must have proved satisfactory.

She wanted to get out quickly, because she knew but few, and the stars were gossiping.

Outside were carriages and some correct youths in attractive clothing, waiting.

Carrie saw that she was scanned closely.