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In the apartment building there was a tenant named Minerva Kilburn, a buyer for the San Francisco store, H. Liebes & Co. I showed her the pram robes and asked her opinion. "I think you could sell them," she said. "I would try Saks Fifth Avenue if I were you."

Saks! I had not intended to aim so high, but on Minerva's advice I telephoned and made an appointment with a buyer in the store. 

I shall never forget that day. I was directed to a waiting room which I later learned was called "the wailing wall." A half dozen men and women sat on benches, waiting to see buyers. It was not unusual to wait hours. I wondered what they had to sell and whether they felt confident about selling it. As for me, my feelings were a mixture of hope and anxiety. I have always been naturally optimistic, but here was a brand new venture. How could I have any confidence that my work would sell?