from the slender hand which held it, and placing it
in the folds of lace upon her breast.

"With all the honors which I have won, with all the praise for my work
which I have received, no compliment ever offered me was more genuine, or
sincere, and this rose I shall keep in memory of the girl who gave it.

"Let me give some of my flowers to you, in return for your words which
have moved me more than you think.

"O! Helen," she continued. "I received my first inspiration from the birds
and the brook at home, when as a little country girl I listened to their
voices, and longed to make my tones as pure as theirs. This young girl has
brought it all back to me so clearly, that I see myself, a little barefoot
child, wading in the brook and mocking the birds which sang in the
branches above me."

A maid approached, and laid a long fur wrap about Madam Valena's
shoulders, at the same time announcing that her carriage was waiting.

Clasping the great cluster of brilliant blossoms closely, Randy said as
they parted,

"I shall never forget you," and looking from her carriage window the
singer smiled as she said,

"I shall keep your rose in memory of you."

As they rode homeward Helen told Randy much of Madam Valena's life as her
mother had known her, of her close application to study, and of her
success, and when at home they found Aunt Marcia seated before the fire
place, placidly watching the dancing flames, Randy rushed in, and sitting
upon a low hassock, she related all the wonders of the afternoon, ending
with,

"And oh, I wish that you had been there to see and hear it all."

"Why, Randy, child!" exclaimed Aunt Marcia laughing, "I thought it rather
cold this afternoon, and stayed cosily at home instead of accompanying you
and Helen, but now your eyes shine like stars, and I begin to believe
that I missed much by not attending the concert. I knew the program was a
fine one, and Madam Valena is truly a most charming person."

"Indeed she is," assented Randy, "and she looked so queenly, I never
thought she would really talk to me, but oh, do you know that she was once
a little country girl? When I looked at her I could not imagine it."

"I know a little country maid, who no one would suppose had not spent all
her life in the city," said Aunt Marcia, with a smile, "only that she
enjoys every pleasure with a keen delight unknown to the girl who feels
that she has seen all that there is to be seen many, many times."