Fuller now. She has that sweet-looking young
lady who played so beautifully with her.

[_Enter_ Madge Fuller _and_ Miss Sommerfield.]

_Madge_. Halloa, girls! Am I late? I was reading, and I almost forgot
our rehearsal. But I have brought a new recruit. Miss Sommerfield,
girls. Miss Howard, Miss Mason, Miss Moore, Miss Brandon, and Miss
Everton.

_Grace_. Otherwise Charlotte, Victoria or Vic, Ida, Olive, and myself,
Grace. No airs, Madge.

_Olive_. We are so glad you asked Miss Sommerfield to help us, Madge
dear.

_Miss Sommerfield_. I will help, but don't let me intrude. What are your
ideas of an entertainment?

_Grace_. Ideas are just what we are after. The only settled thing is
that the tickets are to be fifty cents.

_Charlotte_. We thought we would each recite or read something. Original
preferred. The object is the Sea-side Home.

_Miss Sommerfield_. It is a lovely object. I went all over the one on
Seney Island.

_Victoria_. Oh, then you can tell us about it.

_Miss Sommerfield_. They take sick children and babies for two weeks.
The house is large and clean, and quite near the water. Verandas go
around three sides on every story. All the bedrooms open on to these
verandas, and there, in the open air, the babies are wheeled, or rocked,
or swung in hammocks. So they breathe that invigorating air day and
night. The older children, as soon as they are able, dig in the sand,
sheltered by tents. They have plenty of good milk to drink, bread and
biscuit, oatmeal and mutton broth. The mothers have, in addition, meat,
potatoes, tea, and coffee. The babies pick up surprisingly. They go away
rosy and hearty. Many a life is saved.

_Olive_. What a pity they must go away.

_Charlotte_. Well, a fortnight is better than nothing. Isn't it the
sweetest of charities? I am sure everybody in the hotel will come to our
entertainment.

_Miss Sommerfield_. I heard one of the nurses singing lullaby while
rocking some darling twin babies to sleep. I thought it so pretty I
have remembered it. Would you like to hear it?

_All_. Please do. Yes, indeed.

[Miss Sommerfield _repeats lullaby_.]

By-by, babies, hushaby,
Night and sleep are drawing nigh,
Little birdies seek the nest,
Tired lambkins drop to rest,
By-by, babies, hushaby,
Stars are lighting up the sky,
Angels come to watch your beds;
Slumber, little curly-heads.

[_Enter_ Helen Sayres _and_ Daisy James.]

_Helen_. Good-aft