tears to eyes unused to weep, and caused that group of red-gowned
girls to grow very pathetic in the sight of fathers and mothers who
had left little daughters safe asleep at home. This was evident from
the stillness that remained unbroken for an instant after Phebe
ended; and before people could get rid of their handkerchiefs she
would have been gone if the sudden appearance of a mite in a
pinafore, climbing up the stairs from the anteroom with a great
bouquet grasped in both hands, had not arrested her.
Up came the little creature, intent on performing the mission for
which rich bribes of sugarplums had been promised, and trotting
bravely across the stage, she held up the lovely nosegay, saying in
her baby voice, “Dis for you, ma’am.” Then, startled by the sudden
outburst of applause, she hid her face in Phebe’s gown and began
to sob with fright.
An awkward minute for poor Phebe, but she showed unexpected
presence of mind and left behind her a pretty picture of the oldest
and youngest orphan as she went quickly down the step, smiling
over the great bouquet with the baby on her arm.
Nobody minded the closing piece, for people began to go, sleepy
children to be carried off, and whispers grew into a buzz of
conversation. In the general confusion Rose looked to see if Steve
had remembered his promise to help Phebe slip away before the
rush began. No, there he was putting on Kitty’s cloak, quite
oblivious to any other duty. Turning to ask Archie to hurry out,
Rose found that he had already vanished, leaving his gloves behind
him.
“Have you lost anything?” asked Dr. Alec, catching a glimpse of
her face.
“No, sir, I’ve found something,” she whispered back, giving him
the gloves to pocket along with her fan and glass, adding hastily as
the concert ended, “Please, Uncle, tell them all not to come with
us. Phebe has had enough excitement and ought to rest.?
Rose’s word was law to the family in all things concerning Phebe.
So word was passed that there were to be no congratulations until
tomorrow, and Dr. Alec got his party off as soon as possible. But
all the way home, while he and Aunt Plenty were prophesying a
brilliant future for the singer, Rose sat rejoicing over the happy
present of the woman. She was sure that Archie had spoken and
imagined the whole scene with feminine delight how tenderly he
had asked the momentous question, how gratefully Phebe had
given the desired reply, and now how both were enjoying that
delicious hour which Rose had been given to understand never
came but once. Such a pity to shorten it, she thought, and begged
her uncle to go home the longest way the night was so mild, the
moonlight so clear, and herself so in need of fresh air after the
excitement of the evening.
“I thought you would want to rush into Phebe’s arms the instant she
got done,” said Aunt Plenty, innocently wondering at the whims
girls took into their heads.
“So I should if I consulted my own wishes, but as Phebe asked to
be let alone I want to gratify her,” answered Rose, making the best
excuse she could.
“A little piqued,” thought the doctor, fancying he understood the
case.
As the old lady’s rheumatism forbade their driving about till
midnight, home was reached much too soon, Rose thought, and
tripped away to warn the lovers the instant she entered the house.
But study, parlor, and boudoir were empty; and, when Jane
appeared with cake and wine, she reported that “Miss Phebe went
right upstairs and wished to be excused, please, being very tired.?
“That isn’t at all like Phebe I hope she isn’t ill,” began Aunt Plenty,
sitting down to toast her feet.
“She may be a little hysterical, for she is a proud thing and
represses her emotions as long as she can. I’ll step up and see if she
doesn’t need a soothing draft of some sort.” And Dr. Alec threw off
his coat as he spoke.
“No, no, she’s only tired. I’ll run up to her she won’t mind me and