is would be to her for months to come. She
must write at once to her mother and Douglas and tell them of the great
joy which had come into her life.

She was aroused by voices outside the door. Opening her eyes, great
was her surprise to see the famous singer standing before her. Parson
Dan was there, too, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Markham, while Rod brought
up in the rear as bodyguard. But Whyn had eyes only for one person,
and her glad look of welcome went at once to Miss Royanna's heart.
Stepping quickly forward, she stooped and kissed the invalid girl.

"We do not need any introduction," she said. "We are old friends, are
we not? Rod has told me about you."

For once in her life Whyn found it impossible to reply. Her eyes were
moist as she lifted them to the singer's face in mute admiration.

"What a lovely room," the woman continued, noting Whyn's embarrassment.
"And you were able to see everything from the window. How nice."

"And I heard you sing, too," Whyn replied. "Oh, it was great, and so
good of you to come. I can never thank you enough."

"Don't try," and the woman smiled. "The enjoyment has been all on my
side. It is the best time I have had in years."

For about half an hour Miss Royanna stayed, but it seemed only a few
minutes to the invalid girl. The rest went out and left them alone.
It appeared to Whyn as if heaven had suddenly opened, and an angel in
the form of this singer had come down. She felt perfectly at ease now,
and talked freely, telling about herself and her mother. It was only
natural, however, that Rod should form the principal object of
conversation. In fact, Miss Royanna led the girl on to talk about him,
and the mother's heart was made happy as Whyn told how kind Rod was to
her, and what a fine boy he really was.

"Will you write to me, dear?" the singer asked, as she bade the girl
good-bye.

"Oh, may I?" and Whyn's face glowed with pleasure. "But you will not
care to hear about our uninteresting affairs in Hillcrest."

"Indeed I shall. Tell me everything, and especially about Rod. You
see, I know him better than the rest."

"Will you come to see me again?" Whyn enquired.

"Yes, just as soon as I can. I want to spend several weeks here in
this lovely place. Then I shall be right near you, and find out all
about the scouts."

"Oh, how nice!" and Whyn clasped her hands together. "I shall look
forward to your coming. It will be something more to live fo