the kind can echo in your ears to your
dying day and follow you with its sweetness everywhere you go! I have
been humming those lovely Irish songs all day.

But before the recital my heart was heavy. I have no evening gown, no
evening wrap, so I couldn't join the box party to which one of
Virginia's friends invited us. I meant to stay at home and not break up
the party, but Royal insisted upon buying two tickets in a section of
the opera house where a plainer dress would do. In the end I allowed
myself to be persuaded by him and we two went to the recital alone. When
that tenor voice sounded through the place I forgot all about my limited
wardrobe. I could hear him sing if I were dressed in calico and think of
nothing but his singing.

_November 12._

I wrote letters to-day. Mother Bab and David write such lovely ones to
me that I have to try hard to keep up my end of it. Sometimes David
tells me he is anxious to supply me with the beet juice, cream and flour
whenever I'm ready to begin the prima donna act. I can hear his laugh
when I read the letter. Sometimes he's serious and talks about the crops
of their farm and tells me the community news like an old grandmother.
Phares Eby writes me an occasional letter, a stilted little note that
sounds just like Phares. It always has some good advice in it. Aunt
Maria's letters and daddy's come every week. I'd feel lost without them.
I like to feel that everybody I care for at home is interested in and
cares for me even if I am in Philadelphia.

CHAPTER XXI

DIARY--CHRYSALIS

_December 3._

I'M as miserable as any mortal can be! Oh, I'm still having a good time
going around seeing the city, visiting the stores and museums,
practicing hard in music, pleasing my teacher. But just the same, I'm
not happy. The reason is this: I want pretty gowns like Virginia wears,
I want to dance and play cards and see real plays. I dare say I'm a
contemptible sinner to want all that after the way I've been brought up.
I ought to be satisfied with all the wonderful things I enjoy in this
big city but I'm not.

Last week Virginia entertained the Bridge Club and tried to persuade me
to learn to play and come to the party. Royal was provoked about it. He
thinks I should learn to play. I told him I should have no peace if I
learned to do such things.

"Peace," he scorned