and then to their astonishment, who
should step out but Anna Royanna!

When Rod first saw her he could hardly believe his eyes. Instantly the
meaning of all the excitement of the past few days flashed upon his
mind. It was for her that the Britts had been getting ready. He
seemed almost dazed as he stood there watching the wonderful woman
coming forward. He joined the others in the cheer of welcome which the
captain ordered to be given; he felt her hand grasping his, and saw the
smile of pleasure upon her face. But it all appeared like a marvellous
dream, too good to be true. He walked by her side with the rest of the
scouts, and listened to her conversation with the captain. But he said
nothing, unless directly spoken to. He was too happy for speech, and
he preferred to remain silent that he might think over the joy which
had so suddenly come into his life. The singer held his hand that
evening as he was about to leave the Anchorage. He promised that he
would come to see her every day, and then sped home to impart the great
news to Parson Dan and Mrs. Royal.

There was considerable excitement throughout Hillcrest when it was
learned that the famous Anna Royanna had come to the Anchorage to stay
for several weeks. It caused the greatest stir among the people from
the city, especially the ones of the fashionable set. They could not
understand why such a woman should wish to take up her abode at the
Anchorage, of all places. To them, the Britts were very inferior
people. They knew the captain by sight and reputation, but his wife
they had never met.

After a week's hesitation and consideration, several women called upon
Miss Royanna one fine afternoon. But she was not in. She spent most
of her time with the scouts, so Mrs. Britt informed them. She lived
out of doors during the day, and in the evening was generally at the
rectory.

The Royals were charmed with the singer. She was so quiet and gentle,
and made herself perfectly at home. How her presence brightened up the
house. At times she played on the little piano, and sang several of
her sweetest songs.

One evening when she was about to return to the Anchorage, a furious
thunder-storm burst upon the land, accompanied by a torrent of rain.
It continued so long that the Royals were able to induce their visitor
to remain all night.

"I am afraid that I shall give you too much trouble," Miss Royanna told
them.

"Oh, no," Mrs. Royal hastened to