ial.

Nancy practiced her solo at early morning. Mrs. Marvin had given her
permission to practice in their reception hall when she learned at what
an early hour Nancy was willing to rise in order to do it.

Patricia declared it entirely needless for her to practice, thus making
Dorothy still more uneasy as to her performance.

At last the evening arrived.

Dorothy had told herself that if, after all, Patricia did anything as
"queer" as she had been known to do, worrying beforehand would not mend
matters. She knew if she became nervous regarding Patricia, she could
not do her own solo well. Patricia had asked that her number might be
the last on the program, and Dorothy had agreed.

As Patricia usually wished to be first in anything, and was offended if
not given precedence, it certainly looked as if she were planning to
have her solo the crowning event of the evening.

Soon after seven a buzz of voices told Dorothy that the pupils had
assembled early, and she would have joined them, but Mrs. Marvin had
said that each of the soloists must be announced, and must come onto
the stage, and greet her audience as if she were a professional.

All had been carefully arranged, and Vera Vane was to announce each
performer.

Dorothy had chosen a light-blue dress, her pumps and hose of the same
shade. The dress was charming, because of its lovely coloring, and its
graceful lines.

Very clearly Vera announced:

"The first number to-night will be a waltz song by Dorothy Dainty."

Dorothy's voice had been carefully trained, and very sweetly she sang,
one especial charm being that every word could be clearly heard, which
is more than can be said of many singers who have studied for years.

She had chosen "Asphodel's Song."

How sweet was the voice, how happy her smile as she sang:

"Oh, how lovely are my flowers
In the morning wet with dew,
Ah, they courtesy to the morning
Off'ring gifts of fragrance new.
Then the sound of bird wings whirring
Wake again the drowsy trees,
And the tiny brooks are stirring,
Running onward to the sea.
Oh, how lovely are my flowers
When the twilight shadows creep,
Hosts of fairy folks come trooping,
Where my flowers lie asleep."

Surely no singer was ever more graciously received.

There were to be no encores because of limited time.

Lights were usually out at nine-thirty, but the socials were from eight
to ten. The concert must be brief to allow