and which would clothe Elsli for a long time to come.  All this was pleasant tidings, and aunty went home with a much lighter heart.  About half-way home she met Oscar coming to meet her.  He darted towards her, and at once began to pour out the story of the unlucky musical festival; how he had entirely forgotten that there must be music, and how he dreaded the ridicule he should encounter when the mistake was discovered.  He saw but one means of escape; if he could change the name of the festival, so that no music need be expected; then, by altering the motto a little, and changing some words in the speech—­didn’t aunty think it could be done?

No; she did not think that idea practicable.  “You see, Oscar,” she said, “a celebration must celebrate something, an anniversary or some interesting event.  As there is nothing of the kind in this case, I really think your only course, since you have no music ready, is to give up the festival entirely for the present, and wait till you have something to celebrate.”

Poor Oscar! he was terribly disappointed; yet he could not but acknowledge that his aunt was right, and he followed her into the house, dreading his father’s questions and the discovery that was sure to follow.  Supper was just ready as they entered the house, so that Emma could not satisfy her eager desire to know the result of her aunt’s mission; so that she, as well as Oscar, sat at the table in troubled silence, both absorbed in secret fears, and both hoping, if they did not speak, that they should escape being spoken to.  Fred noticed their unusual demeanor, and presently he remarked, slyly: 

“There is a bird called the ostrich, Struthio which has a habit of hiding its head in the sand, believing that, in so doing, he conceals himself from the hunter.  This bird is sometimes seen in this neighborhood, and his usual food is potato-salad.”

Oscar took no notice of this bit of sarcasm, but remained intent on his potato-salad; but his father, who was watching him, laughed and said:—­

“Is he overpowered by the pleasures of the approaching festival?”

As no farther questions followed, and the supper went on without any inquiries about Fani, both Oscar and Emma rose from the table with easier minds.  The danger was not yet over, of blame for Emma and ridicule for Oscar; but they had gained time, and they breathed more freely as they turned again to their aunt for help and advice.

CHAPTER VIII.

At sunset.

Elsli continued to go daily to the little invalid, and, from the first visit, she had been a dear friend and companion to the sick girl, who would not hear of her going on errands, but kept her by her own side from the moment she came, till it was time to go home.  Mrs. Stanhope, whose only object in life was her little girl’s happiness, was more than pleased with this arrangement; and watched with delight as Nora