 In 1899, while Pounds was performing in a revue, "A Dream of Whitaker's Almanack", at the Crystal Palace, Sir Arthur Sullivan approached her about the forthcoming season at the Savoy Theatre.She joined the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, creating the part of "Heart's Desire" in "The Rose of Persia" in 1899.She also appeared as the title character in the companion piece "Pretty Polly" (libretto by Basil Hood, music by François Cellier that played with "The Rose of Persia" and later with the first revival of "Patience").