While Rose was making discoveries and having experiences,Phebe was doing the same in a quieter way, but though theyusually compared notes during the bedtime tete-a-tete whichalways ended their day, certain topics were never mentioned, soeach had a little world of her own into which even the eye offriendship did not peep.

Rose's life just now was the gaiest but Phebe's the happiest. Bothwent out a good deal, for the beautiful voice was welcomedeverywhere, and many were ready to patronize the singer whowould have been slow to recognize the woman. Phebe knew thisand made no attempt to assert herself, content to know that thosewhose regard she valued felt her worth and hopeful of a time whenshe could gracefully take the place she was meant to fill.

Proud as a princess was Phebe about some things, though in mostas humble as a child; therefore, when each year lessened theservice she loved to give and increased the obligations she wouldhave refused from any other source, dependence became a burdenwhich even the most fervent gratitude could not lighten. Hithertothe children had gone on together, finding no obstacles to theircompanionship in the secluded world in which they lived. Nowthat they were women their paths inevitably diverged, and bothreluctantly felt that they must part before long.

It had been settled, when they were abroad, that on their returnPhebe should take her one gift in her hand and try her fortunes. Onno other terms would she accept the teaching which was to fit herfor the independence she desired. Faithfully had she used thefacilities so generously afforded both at home and abroad and nowwas ready to prove that they had not been in vain. Muchencouraged by the small successes she won in drawing rooms, andthe praise bestowed by interested friends, she began to feel that shemight venture on a larger field and begin her career as a concertsinger, for she aimed no higher.

Just at this time much interest was felt in a new asylum for orphangirls, which could not be completed for want of funds. TheCampbells well had borne their part and still labored toaccomplish the much-needed charity. Several fairs had been givenfor this purpose, followed by a series of concerts. Rose had thrownherself into the work with all her heart and now proposed thatPhebe should make her debut at the last concert, which was to be apeculiarly interesting one, as all the orphans were to be present andwere expected to plead their own cause by the sight of theirinnocent helplessness as well as touch hearts by the simple airsthey were to sing.

Some of the family thought Phebe would object to so humble abeginning, but Rose knew her better and was not disappointed, forwhen she made her proposal Phebe answered readily: "Wherecould I find a fitter time and place to come before the public thanhere among my little sisters in misfortune? I'll sing for them withall my heart only I must be one of them and have no flourish madeabout me."

"You shall arrange it as you like, and as there is to be little vocalmusic but yours and the children's, I'll see that you have everythingas you please," promised Rose.

It was well she did, for the family got much excited over theprospect of "our Phebe's debut" and would have made a flourish ifthe girls had not resisted. Aunt Clara was in despair about thedress because Phebe decided to wear a plain claret-colored merinowith frills at neck and wrists so that she might look, as much aspossible, like the other orphans in their stuff gowns and whiteaprons. Aunt Plenty wanted to have a little supper afterward inhonor of the occasion, but Phebe begged her to change it to aChristmas dinner for the poor children. The boys planned to throwbushels of flowers, and Charlie claimed the honor of leading thesinger in. But Phebe, with tears in her eyes, declined their kindlyoffers, saying earnestly: "I had better begin as I am to go on anddepend upon myself entirely. Indeed, Mr. Charlie, I'd rather walkin alone, for you'd be out of place among us and spoil the patheticeffect we wish to produce." And a smile sparkled through the tearsas Phebe looked at the piece of elegance before her and thought ofthe brown gowns and pinafores.

So, after much discussion, it was decided that she should have herway in all things and the family content themselves withapplauding from the front.

"We'll blister our hands every man of us, and carry you home in achariot and four see if we don't, you perverse prima donna!"threatened Steve, not at all satisfied with the simplicity of theaffair.

"A chariot and two will be very acceptable as soon as I'm done. Ishall be quite steady till my part is all over, and then I may feel alittle upset, so I'd like to get away before the confusion begins.Indeed, I don't mean to be perverse, but you are all so kind to me,my heart is full whenever I think of it, and that wouldn't do if I'mto sing," said Phebe, dropping one of the tears on the little frill shewas making.

"No diamond could have adorned it better," Archie thought as hewatched it shine there for a moment, and felt like shaking Stevefor daring to pat the dark head with an encouraging "All right. I'llbe on hand and whisk you away while the rest are splitting theirgloves. No fear of your breaking down. If you feel the least bit likeit, though, just look at me and I'll glare at you and shake my fist,since kindness upsets you."

"I wish you would, because one of my ballads is rather touchingand I always want to cry when I sing it. The sight of you trying toglare will make me want to laugh and that will steady me nicely,so sit in front, please, ready to slip out when I come off the lasttime."

"Depend upon me!" And the little man departed, taking greatcredit to himself for his influence over tall, handsome Phebe.

If he had known what was going on in the mind of the silent younggentleman behind the newspaper, Steve would have been muchastonished, for Archie, though apparently engrossed by business,was fathoms deep in love by this time. No one suspected this butRose, for he did his wooing with his eyes, and only Phebe knewhow eloquent they could be. He had discovered what the matterwas long ago had made many attempts to reason himself out of it,but, finding it a hopeless task, had given up trying and let himselfdrift deliciously. The knowledge that the family would not approveonly seemed to add ardor to his love and strength to his purpose,for the same energy and persistence which he brought to businesswent into everything he did, and having once made up his mind tomarry Phebe, nothing could change this plan except a word fromher.

He watched and waited for three months, so that he might not beaccused of precipitation, though it did not take him one to decidethat this was the woman to make him happy. Her steadfast nature,quiet, busy ways, and the reserved power and passion betrayedsometimes by a flash of the black eyes, a quiver of the firm lips,suited Archie, who possessed many of the same attributes himself.The obscurity of her birth and isolation of her lot, which wouldhave deterred some lovers, not only appealed to his kindly heart,but touched the hidden romance which ran like a vein of goldthrough his strong common sense and made practical, steady-goingArchie a poet when he fell in love. If Uncle Mac had guessed whatdreams and fancies went on in the head bent over his ledgers, andwhat emotions were fermenting in the bosom of his staid"right-hand man," he would have tapped his forehead andsuggested a lunatic asylum. The boys thought Archie had sobereddown too soon. His mother began to fear that the air of thecounting room did not suit him, and Dr. Alec was deluded into thebelief that the fellow really began to "think of Rose," he came sooften in the evening, seeming quite content to sit beside herworktable and snip tape or draw patterns while they chatted.

No one observed that, though he talked to Rose on these occasions,he looked at Phebe, in her low chair close by, busy but silent, forshe always tried to efface herself when Rose was near and oftenmourned that she was too big to keep out of sight. No matter whathe talked about, Archie always saw the glossy black braids on theother side of the table, the damask cheek curving down into thefirm white throat, and the dark lashes, lifted now and then,showing eyes so deep and soft he dared not look into them long.Even the swift needle charmed him, the little brooch which roseand fell with her quiet breath, the plain work she did, and the tidyway she gathered her bits of thread into a tiny bag. He seldomspoke to her; never touched her basket, though he ravaged Rose's ifhe wanted string or scissors; very rarely ventured to bring her somecurious or pretty thing when ships came in from China only sat andthought of her, imagined that this was his parlor, this herworktable, and they two sitting there alone a happy man and wife.

At this stage of the little evening drama he would be conscious ofsuch a strong desire to do something rash that he took refuge in anew form of intoxication and proposed music, sometimes soabruptly that Rose would pause in the middle of a sentence andlook at him, surprised to meet a curiously excited look in theusually cool gray eyes.

Then Phebe, folding up her work, would go to the piano, as if gladto find a vent for the inner life which she seemed to have no powerof expressing except in song. Rose would follow to accompanyher, and Archie, moving to a certain shady corner whence he couldsee Phebe's face as she sang, would give himself up to unmitigatedrapture for half an hour. Phebe never sang so well as at such times,for the kindly atmosphere was like sunshine to a bird, criticismswere few and gentle, praises hearty and abundant, and she pouredout her soul as freely as a spring gushes up when its hidden sourceis full.

In moments such as these Phebe was beautiful with the beauty thatmakes a man's eye brighten with honest admiration and fills hisheart with a sense of womanly nobility and sweetness. Littlewonder, then, that the chief spectator of this agreeable tableaugrew nightly more enamored, and while the elders were deep inwhist, the young people were playing that still more absorbinggame in which hearts are always trumps.

Rose, having Dummy for a partner, soon discovered the fact andlately had begun to feel as she fancied Wall must have done whenPyramus wooed Thisbe through its chinks. She was a little startledat first, then amused, then anxious, then heartily interested, asevery woman is in such affairs, and willingly continued to be amedium, though sometimes she quite tingled with the electricitywhich seemed to pervade the air. She said nothing, waiting forPhebe to speak, but Phebe was silent, seeming to doubt the truthtill doubt became impossible, then to shrink as if suddenlyconscious of wrongdoing and seize every possible pretext forabsenting herself from the "girls' corner," as the pretty recess wascalled.

The concert plan afforded excellent opportunities for doing this,and evening after evening she slipped away to practice her songsupstairs while Archie sat staring disconsolately at the neglectedwork basket and mute piano. Rose pitied him and longed to say aword of comfort, but felt shy he was such a reserved fellow so lefthim to conduct his quiet wooing in his own way, feeling that thecrisis would soon arrive.

She was sure of this as she sat beside him on the evening of theconcert, for while the rest of the family nodded and smiled, chattedand laughed in great spirits, Archie was as mute as a fish and satwith his arms tightly folded, as if to keep in any unruly emotionswhich might attempt to escape. He never looked at the program,but Rose knew when Phebe's turn came by the quick breath hedrew and the intent look, so absent before, that came into his eyes.

But her own excitement prevented much notice of his, for Rosewas in a flutter of hope and fear, sympathy and delight, aboutPhebe and her success. The house was crowded; the audiencesufficiently mixed to make the general opinion impartial; and thestage full of little orphans with shining faces, a most effectivereminder of the object in view.

"Little dears, how nice they look!" "Poor things, so young to befatherless and motherless." "It will be a disgrace to the city if thosegirls are not taken proper care of." "Subscriptions are always inorder, you know, and pretty Miss Campbell will give you hersweetest smile if you hand her a handsome check." "I've heard thisPhebe Moore, and she really has a delicious voice such a pity shewon't fit herself for opera!" "Only sings three times tonight; that'smodest, I'm sure, when she's the chief attraction, so we must giveher an encore after the Italian piece." "The orphans lead off, I see.Stop your ears if you like, but don't fail to applaud or the ladieswill never forgive you."

Chat of this sort went on briskly while fans waved, programsrustled, and ushers flew about distractedly, till an importantgentleman appeared, made his bow, skipped upon the leader'sstand, and with a wave of his baton caused a general uprising ofwhite pinafores as the orphans led off with that much-enduringmelody "America" in shrill small voices, but with creditableattention to time and tune. Pity and patriotism produced a generousround of applause, and the little girls sat down, beaming withinnocent satisfaction.

An instrumental piece followed, and then a youthful gentleman,with his hair in picturesque confusion, and what his friends calleda "musical brow," bounded up the steps and, clutching a roll ofmusic with a pair of tightly gloved hands, proceed to inform theaudience, in a husky tenor voice, that "It was a lovely violet."

What else the song contained in the way of sense or sentiment itwas impossible to discover as the three pages of music appeared toconsist of variations upon that one line, ending with a prolongedquaver which flushed the musical brow and left the youth quitebreathless when he made his bow.

"Now she's coming! Oh, Uncle, my heart beats as if it weremyself!" whispered Rose, clutching Dr. Alec's arm with a littlegasp as the piano was rolled forward, the leader's stand pushedback, and all eyes turned toward the anteroom door.

She forgot to glance at Archie, and it was as well perhaps, for hisheart was thumping almost audibly as he waited for his Phebe. Notfrom the anteroom, but out among the children, where she had satunseen in the shadow of the organ, came stately Phebe in herwine-colored dress, with no ornament but her fine hair and a whiteflower at her throat. Very pale, but quite composed, apparently, forshe stepped slowly through the narrow lane of upturned faces,holding back her skirts lest they should rudely brush against somelittle head. Straight to the front she went, bowed hastily, and, witha gesture to the accompanist, stood waiting to begin, her eyes fixedon the great gilt clock at the opposite end of the hall.

They never wandered from that point while she sang, but as sheended they dropped for an instant on an eager, girlish countenancebending from a front seat; then, with her hasty little bow, she wentquickly back among the children, who clapped and nodded as shepassed, well pleased with the ballad she had sung.

Everyone courteously followed their example, but there was noenthusiasm, and it was evident that Phebe had not produced aparticularly favorable impression.

"Never sang so badly in her life," muttered Charlie irefully.

"She was frightened, poor thing. Give her time, give her time,"said Uncle Mac kindly.

"I know she was, and I glared like a gorgon, but she never lookedat me," added Steve, smoothing his gloves and his brows at thesame time.

"That first song was the hardest, and she got through much betterthan I expected," put in Dr. Alec, bound not to show thedisappointment he felt.

"Don't be troubled. Phebe has courage enough for anything, andshe'll astonish you before the evening's over," prophesied Mac withunabated confidence, for he knew something the rest did not.

Rose said nothing, but under cover of her burnous gave Archie'shand a sympathetic squeeze, for his arms were unfolded now, as ifthe strain was over, and one lay on his knee while with the other hewiped his hot forehead with an air of relief.

Friends about them murmured complimentary fibs and affectedgreat delight and surprise at Miss Moore's "charming style,""exquisite simplicity," and "undoubted talent." But strangers freelycriticized, and Rose was so indignant at some of their remarks, shecould not listen to anything on the stage, though a fine overturewas played, a man with a remarkable bass voice growled androared melodiously, and the orphans sang a lively air with a chorusof "Tra, la, la," which was a great relief to little tongues unused tolong silence.

"I've often heard that women's tongues were hung in the middleand went at both ends now I'm sure of it," whispered Charlie,trying to cheer her up by pointing out the comical effect of someseventy-five open mouths in each of which the unruly member waswagging briskly.

Rose laughed and let him fan her, leaning from his seat behindwith the devoted air he always assumed in public, but her woundedfeelings were not soothed and she continued to frown at the stoutman on the left who had dared to say with a shrug and a glance atPhebe's next piece, "That young woman can no more sing thisItalian thing than she can fly, and they ought not to let her attemptit."

Phebe did, however, and suddenly changed the stout man's opinionby singing it grandly, for the consciousness of her first failurepricked her pride and spurred her to do her best with the calm sortof determination which conquers fear, fires ambition, and changesdefeat to success. She looked steadily at Rose now, or the flushed,intent face beside her, and throwing all her soul into the task, lether voice ring out like a silver clarion, filling the great hall andsetting the hearers' blood a-tingle with the exulting strain.

That settled Phebe's fate as a cantatrice. The applause was genuineand spontaneous this time and broke out again and again with thegenerous desire to atone for former coldness. But she would notreturn, and the shadow of the great organ seemed to haveswallowed her up, for no eye could find her, no pleasant clamorwin her back.

"Now I can die content," said Rose, beaming with heartfeltsatisfaction while Archie looked steadfastly at his program, tryingto keep his face in order, and the rest of the family assumed atriumphant air, as if they had never doubted from the first.

"Very well, indeed," said the stout man with an approving nod."Quite promising for a beginner. Shouldn't wonder if in time theymade a second Cary or Kellogg of her."

"Now you'll forgive him, won't you?" murmured Charlie in hiscousin's ear.

"Yes, and I'd like to pat him on the head. But take warning andnever judge by first appearances again," whispered Rose, at peacenow with all mankind.

Phebe's last song was another ballad; she meant to devote hertalent to that much neglected but always attractive branch of herart. It was a great surprise, therefore, to all but one person in thehall when, instead of singing "Auld Robin Grey," she placedherself at the piano, and, with a smiling glance over her shoulderat the children, broke out in the old bird song which first wonRose. But the chirping, twittering, and cooing were now theburden to three verses of a charming little song, full of springtimeand the awakening life that makes it lovely. A ripplingaccompaniment flowed through it all, and a burst of delightedlaughter from the children filled up the first pause with a fittinganswer to the voices that seemed calling to them from the vernalwoods.

It was very beautiful, and novelty lent its charm to the surprise, forart and nature worked a pretty miracle and the clever imitation,first heard from a kitchen hearth, now became the favorite in acrowded concert room. Phebe was quite herself again; color in thecheeks now; eyes that wandered smiling to and fro; and lips thatsang as gaily and far more sweetly than when she kept time to herblithe music with a scrubbing brush.

This song was evidently intended for the children, and theyappreciated the kindly thought, for as Phebe went back amongthem, they clapped ecstatically, flapped their pinafores, and somecaught her by the skirts with audible requests to "Do it again,please; do it again."

But Phebe shook her head and vanished, for it was getting late forsuch small people, several of whom "lay sweetly slumbering there"till roused by the clamor round them. The elders, however, werenot to be denied and applauded persistently, especially AuntPlenty, who seized Uncle Mac's cane and pounded with it asvigorously as "Mrs. Nubbles" at the play.

"Never mind your gloves, Steve; keep it up till she comes," criedCharlie, enjoying the fun like a boy while Jamie lost his head withexcitement and, standing up, called "Phebe! Phebe!" in spite of hismother's attempts to silence him.

Even the stout man clapped, and Rose could only laughdelightedly as she turned to look at Archie, who seemed to have lethimself loose at last and was stamping with a dogged energy funnyto see.

So Phebe had to come, and stood there meekly bowing, with amoved look on her face that showed how glad and grateful shewas, till a sudden hush came; then, as if inspired by the memory ofthe cause that brought her there, she looked down into the sea offriendly faces before her, with no trace of fear in her own, andsang the song that never will grow old.

That went straight to the hearts of those who heard her, for therewas something inexpressibly touching in the sight of thissweet-voiced woman singing of home for the little creatures whowere homeless, and Phebe made her tuneful plea irresistible by analmost involuntary gesture of the hands which had hung looselyclasped before her till, with the last echo of the beloved word, theyfell apart and were half outstretched, as if pleading to be filled.

It was the touch of nature that works wonders, for it made fullpurses suddenly weigh heavily in pockets slow to open, broughttears to eyes unused to weep, and caused that group of red-gownedgirls to grow very pathetic in the sight of fathers and mothers whohad left little daughters safe asleep at home. This was evident fromthe stillness that remained unbroken for an instant after Phebeended; and before people could get rid of their handkerchiefs shewould have been gone if the sudden appearance of a mite in apinafore, climbing up the stairs from the anteroom with a greatbouquet grasped in both hands, had not arrested her.

Up came the little creature, intent on performing the mission forwhich rich bribes of sugarplums had been promised, and trottingbravely across the stage, she held up the lovely nosegay, saying inher baby voice, "Dis for you, ma'am." Then, startled by the suddenoutburst of applause, she hid her face in Phebe's gown and beganto sob with fright.

An awkward minute for poor Phebe, but she showed unexpectedpresence of mind and left behind her a pretty picture of the oldestand youngest orphan as she went quickly down the step, smilingover the great bouquet with the baby on her arm.

Nobody minded the closing piece, for people began to go, sleepychildren to be carried off, and whispers grew into a buzz ofconversation. In the general confusion Rose looked to see if Stevehad remembered his promise to help Phebe slip away before therush began. No, there he was putting on Kitty's cloak, quiteoblivious to any other duty. Turning to ask Archie to hurry out,Rose found that he had already vanished, leaving his gloves behindhim.

"Have you lost anything?" asked Dr. Alec, catching a glimpse ofher face.

"No, sir, I've found something," she whispered back, giving himthe gloves to pocket along with her fan and glass, adding hastily asthe concert ended, "Please, Uncle, tell them all not to come withus. Phebe has had enough excitement and ought to rest."

Rose's word was law to the family in all things concerning Phebe.So word was passed that there were to be no congratulations untiltomorrow, and Dr. Alec got his party off as soon as possible. Butall the way home, while he and Aunt Plenty were prophesying abrilliant future for the singer, Rose sat rejoicing over the happypresent of the woman. She was sure that Archie had spoken andimagined the whole scene with feminine delight how tenderly hehad asked the momentous question, how gratefully Phebe hadgiven the desired reply, and now how both were enjoying thatdelicious hour which Rose had been given to understand nevercame but once. Such a pity to shorten it, she thought, and beggedher uncle to go home the longest way the night was so mild, themoonlight so clear, and herself so in need of fresh air after theexcitement of the evening.

"I thought you would want to rush into Phebe's arms the instant shegot done," said Aunt Plenty, innocently wondering at the whimsgirls took into their heads.

"So I should if I consulted my own wishes, but as Phebe asked tobe let alone I want to gratify her," answered Rose, making the bestexcuse she could.

"A little piqued," thought the doctor, fancying he understood thecase.

As the old lady's rheumatism forbade their driving about tillmidnight, home was reached much too soon, Rose thought, andtripped away to warn the lovers the instant she entered the house.But study, parlor, and boudoir were empty; and, when Janeappeared with cake and wine, she reported that "Miss Phebe wentright upstairs and wished to be excused, please, being very tired."

"That isn't at all like Phebe I hope she isn't ill," began Aunt Plenty,sitting down to toast her feet.

"She may be a little hysterical, for she is a proud thing andrepresses her emotions as long as she can. I'll step up and see if shedoesn't need a soothing draft of some sort." And Dr. Alec threw offhis coat as he spoke.

"No, no, she's only tired. I'll run up to her she won't mind me andI'll report if anything is amiss."

Away went Rose, quite trembling with suspense, but Phebe's doorwas shut, no light shone underneath, and no sound came from theroom within. She tapped and receiving no answer, went on to herown chamber, thinking to herself: "Love always makes peoplequeer, I've heard, so I suppose they settled it all in the carriage andthe dear thing ran away to think about her happiness alone. I'll notdisturb her. Why, Phebe!" said Rose, surprised, for, entering herroom, there was the cantatrice, busy about the nightly services shealways rendered her little mistress.

"I'm waiting for you, dear. Where have you been so long?" askedPhebe, poking the fire as if anxious to get some color into cheeksthat were unnaturally pale.

The instant she spoke Rose knew that something was wrong, and aglance at her face confirmed the fear. It was like a dash of coldwater and quenched her happy fancies in a moment; but being adelicate-minded girl, she respected Phebe's mood and asked noquestions, made no comments, and left her friend to speak or besilent as she chose.

"I was so excited I would take a turn in the moonlight to calm mynerves. Oh, dearest Phebe, I am so glad, so proud, so full ofwonder at your courage and skill and sweet ways altogether that Icannot half tell you how I love and honor you!" she cried, kissingthe white cheeks with such tender warmth they could not helpglowing faintly as Phebe held her little mistress close, sure thatnothing could disturb this innocent affection.

"It is all your work, dear, because but for you I might still bescrubbing floors and hardly dare to dream of anything like this,"she said in her old grateful way, but in her voice there was a thrillof something deeper than gratitude, and at the last two words herhead went up with a gesture of soft pride as if it had been newlycrowned.

Rose heard and saw and guessed at the meaning of both tone andgesture, feeling that her Phebe deserved both the singer's laurel andthe bride's myrtle wreath. But she only looked up, saying verywistfully: "Then it has been a happy night for you as well as forus."

"The happiest of my life, and the hardest," answered Phebe brieflyas she looked away from the questioning eyes.

"You should have let us come nearer and help you through. I'mafraid you are very proud, my Jenny Lind."

"I have to be, for sometimes I feel as if I had nothing else to keepme up." She stopped short there, fearing that her voice wouldprove traitorous if she went on. In a moment she asked in a tonethat was almost hard: "You think I did well tonight?"

"They all think so, and were so delighted they wanted to come in abody and tell you so, but I sent them home because I knew you'dbe tired out. Perhaps I ought not to have done it and you'd ratherhave had a crowd about you than just me?"

"It was the kindest thing you ever did, and what could I like betterthan 'just you,' my darling?"

Phebe seldom called her that, and when she did her heart was inthe little word, making it so tender that Rose thought it thesweetest in the world, next to Uncle Alec's "my little girl." Now itwas almost passionate, and Phebe's face grew rather tragical as shelooked down at Rose. It was impossible to seem unconscious anylonger, and Rose said, caressing Phebe's cheek, which burned witha feverish color now: "Then don't shut me out if you have atrouble, but let me share it as I let you share all mine."

"I will! Little mistress, I've got to go away, sooner even than weplanned."

"Why, Phebe?"

"Because Archie loves me."

"That's the very reason you should stay and make him happy."

"Not if it caused dissension in the family, and you know it would."

Rose opened her lips to deny this impetuously, but checked herselfand answered honestly: "Uncle and I would be heartily glad, andI'm sure Aunt Jessie never could object if you loved Archie as hedoes you."

"She has other hopes, I think, and kind as she is, it would be adisappointment if he brought me home. She is right, they all are,and I alone am to blame. I should have gone long ago I knew Ishould, but it was so pleasant, I couldn't bear to go away alone."

"I kept you, and I am to blame if anyone, but indeed, dear Phebe, Icannot see why you should care even if Aunt Myra croaks andAunt Clara exclaims or Aunt Jane makes disagreeable remarks. Behappy, and never mind them," cried Rose, so much excited by allthis that she felt the spirit of revolt rise up within her and wasready to defy even that awe-inspiring institution "the family" forher friend's sake.

But Phebe shook her head with a sad smile and answered, stillwith the hard tone in her voice as if forcing back all emotion thatshe might see her duty clearly: "You could do that, but I never can.Answer me this, Rose, and answer truly as you love me. If you hadbeen taken into a house, a friendless, penniless, forlorn girl, andfor years been heaped with benefits, trusted, taught, loved, andmade, oh, so happy! could you think it right to steal awaysomething that these good people valued very much? To havethem feel that you had been ungrateful, had deceived them, andmeant to thrust yourself into a high place not fit for you when theyhad been generously helping you in other ways, far more than youdeserved. Could you then say as you do now, 'Be happy, and nevermind them'?"

Phebe held Rose by the shoulders now and searched her face sokeenly that the other shrank a little, for the black eyes were full offire and there was something almost grand about this girl whoseemed suddenly to have become a woman. There was no need forwords to answer the question so swiftly asked, for Rose put herselfin Phebe's place in the drawing of a breath, and her own pridemade her truthfully reply: "No I could not!"

"I knew you'd say that, and help me do my duty." And all thecoldness melted out of Phebe's manner as she hugged her littlemistress close, feeling the comfort of sympathy even through theblunt sincerity of Rose's words.

"I will if I know how. Now, come and tell me all about it." And,seating herself in the great chair which had often held them both,Rose stretched out her hands as if glad and ready to give help ofany sort.

But Phebe would not take her accustomed place, for, as if comingto confession, she knelt down upon the rug and, leaning on the armof the chair, told her love story in the simplest words.

"I never thought he cared for me until a little while ago. I fancied itwas you, and even when I knew he liked to hear me sing Isupposed it was because you helped, and so I did my best and wasglad you were to be a happy girl. But his eyes told the truth. Then Isaw what I had been doing and was frightened. He did not speak,so I believed, what is quite true, that he felt I was not a fit wife forhim and would never ask me. It was right I was glad of it, yet I wasproud and, though I did not ask or hope for anything, I did wanthim to see that I respected myself, remembered my duty, and coulddo right as well as he. I kept away. I planned to go as soon aspossible and resolved that at this concert I would do so well, heshould not be ashamed of poor Phebe and her one gift."

"It was this that made you so strange, then, preferring to go aloneand refusing every little favor at our hands?" asked Rose, feelingvery sure now about the state of Phebe's heart.

"Yes, I wanted to do everything myself and not owe one jot of mysuccess, if I had any, to even the dearest friend I've got. It was badand foolish of me, and I was punished by the first dreadful failure.I was so frightened, Rose! My breath was all gone, my eyes sodizzy I could hardly see, and that great crowd of faces seemed sonear, I dared not look. If it had not been for the clock I nevershould have gotten through, and when I did, not knowing in theleast how I'd sung, one look at your distressed face told me I'dfailed."

"But I smiled, Phebe indeed I did as sweetly as I could, for I wassure it was only fright," protested Rose eagerly.

"So you did, but the smile was full of pity, not of pride, as I wantedit to be, and I rushed into a dark place behind the organ, feelingready to kill myself. How angry and miserable I was! I set myteeth, clenched my hands, and vowed that I would do well nexttime or never sing another note. I was quite desperate when myturn came, and felt as if I could do almost anything, for Iremembered that he was there. I'm not sure how it was, but itseemed as if I was all voice, for I let myself go, trying to forgeteverything except that two people must not be disappointed,though I died when the song was done."

"Oh, Phebe, it was splendid! I nearly cried, I was so proud and gladto see you do yourself justice at last."

"And he?" whispered Phebe, with her face half hidden on the armof the chair.

"Said not a word, but I saw his lips tremble and his eyes shine andI knew he was the happiest creature there, because I was sure hedid think you fit to be his wife and did mean to speak very soon."

Phebe made no answer for a moment, seeming to forget the smallsuccess in the greater one which followed and to comfort her soreheart with the knowledge that Rose was right.

"He sent the flowers, he came for me, and, on the way home,showed me how wrong I had been to doubt him for an hour. Don'task me to tell that part, but be sure I was the happiest creature inthe world then."

And Phebe hid her face again, all wet with tender tears that fellsoft and sudden as a summer shower.

Rose let them flow undisturbed while she silently caressed the benthead, wondering, with a wistful look in her own wet eyes, whatthis mysterious passion was which could so move, ennoble, andbeautify the beings whom it blessed.

An impertinent little clock upon the chimneypiece striking elevenbroke the silence and reminded Phebe that she could not indulge inlove dreams there. She started up, brushed off her tears, and saidresolutely: "That is enough for tonight. Go happily to bed, andleave the troubles for tomorrow."

"But, Phebe, I must know what you said," cried Rose, like a childdefrauded of half its bedtime story.

"I said, 'No.'"

"Ah! But it will change to 'yes' by and by, I'm sure of that so I'll letyou go to dream of him. The Campbells are rather proud of beingdescendants of Robert the Bruce, but they have common sense andlove you dearly, as you'll see tomorrow."

"Perhaps." And with a good night kiss, poor Phebe went away, tolie awake till dawn.