Actually, Melba is a character right out of the story. My favorite Melba was Dixie Carter. who perfectly evoked the character as John O'Hara portrayed her. She enters the story briefly, to interview Joey, and is dressed and behaves almost in a mannish fashion. Then she removes her hat, lets down her hair, and proves to be quite a sexpot. The song gives her the chance to do just that. - Michael Colby
