he had engagements for weeks ahead, and she had only come to
St. John when asked to do so that she might carry out an idea which had
long been in her mind. But now this must be abandoned for the present
if she consented to sing at the matinee, as she must leave the city
early the next morning.

While she was thinking over these things, the door softly opened, and
John Markham entered.

"Are you ready to go?" she enquired.

"You are very tired," was the reply, "and it is no wonder. But you
made a great hit to-night, and I have been almost swamped with requests
from visitors who wish to see you. Some were determined to enter,
especially women, and I had to be very firm, in fact almost rude."

"You were quite right, Mr. Markham," and the woman lifted her eyes to
his face. "I have no desire to see such people. I know them only too
well. They are quite willing to fawn upon me now when I have met with
some success. But one time when I was poor and struggling they treated
me like a dog. I suppose Mrs. Featson, Mrs. Juatty, Mrs. Merden, and
other women of their set were there."

"Oh, yes, and they were most insistent. But how do you know of them?"
and the manager looked astonished. "I thought that you were an entire
stranger here."

"So I am, in a way," and a slight smile overspread the woman's face.
"But I know those women to my sorrow. Some day, perhaps, I may be able
to tell you more, but not to-night. Are you ready to go now?"

"Just a moment, Miss Royanna," and the manager motioned her not to
rise. "There are two little boys outside, who are very anxious to see
you."

"Boys! to see me?"

"Yes. They came from the country, and will not leave, so they say,
until they see you."

"What do they want?"

"I do not know. But I am acquainted with one of the little chaps, as I
met him this summer. I have a good story to tell you when you get
rested. Shall I bring them in? They will not keep you long."

"Yes, let them come," was the reply. "I love boys; there is no
pretence about them."

Rod's heart beat fast as he followed Mr. Markham into the presence of
the great singer. What should he say? he asked himself. Would the
woman be willing to go? Phil crept close at his heels, of no more use
than a kitten.

As Rod approached, Miss Royanna held out her hand.

"So you want to see me?" she began. "I am not very often favoured with
a visit from boys."

Rod felt more at home now. These words had