What more the clergyman said Whyn did not know.  With a half-smothered cry of delight, she leaned as far as she could toward the window in order to catch the first glimpse of the wonderful woman.  Tears came suddenly into her eyes as the meaning of what the scouts had done flashed into her mind.  It was for her sake, she very well knew, that they had asked Miss Royanna to come.  That was the reason why Rod and Phil had gone to the city.  She understood it all just as plainly as if they had told her.  And so she was to hear Anna Royanna after all!  It seemed too good to be true.  Surely it must be only a beautiful dream.  But, no, it was real, for there were the people before her, and the singer, too, now standing upon the platform by the clergyman’s side.  She heard the loud and excited cheers of the people, and saw the woman bowing in acknowledgment of the reception.  What was that she was saying?  That she was delighted to come to the entertainment; that she was very fond of boys, and when they had asked her to come she had not the heart to refuse.  How soft and pleasing was her voice, so Whyn thought.  How nice she must be, and she longed to speak to her, and to look into her eyes.  And to think that such a person had come all the way to Hillcrest to sing for her benefit!

But when Miss Royanna began to sing, Whyn forgot everything else.  There were various kinds of songs, both humorous and pathetic, but all simple and familiar, which appealed to the hearts of the listeners.  Last of all she sang “My Little Lad, God Bless Him!” and then went back into the building, followed by the clapping and cheering of the assembled people.

Whyn paid little attention to the excitement outside.  She leaned back in her chair, closed her eyes, and listened once again to the sweet singer.  How distinctly she could hear that voice, and the words of the last song.  What a treat this would be to her for months to come.  She must write at once to her mother and Douglas and tell them of the great joy which had come into her life.

She was aroused by voices outside the door.  Opening her eyes, great was her surprise to see the famous singer standing before her.  Parson Dan was there, too, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Markham, while Rod brought up in the rear as bodyguard.  But Whyn had eyes only for one person, and her glad look of welcome went at once to Miss Royanna’s heart.  Stepping quickly forward, she stooped and kissed the invalid girl.

“We do not need any introduction,” she said.  “We are old friends, are we not?  Rod has told me about you.”

For once in her life Whyn found it impossible to reply.  Her eyes were moist as she lifted them to the singer’s face in mute admiration.

“What a lovely room,” the woman continued, noting Whyn’s embarrassment.  “And you were able to see everything from the window.  How nice.”

“And I heard you sing, too,” Whyn replied.  “Oh, it was great, and so good of you to come.  I can never thank you enough.”