n the grounds had
noticed the arrival of the strangers, and were naturally curious about
them, especially as Rod seemed so excited and delighted.

"I have a great announcement to make," the clergyman began, "and I
myself can hardly believe it is true. It seems that the scouts have
sprung a complete surprise upon us of a most enjoyable nature, and I am
almost overcome by their audacity. In order to make this affair an
unbounded success, they invited the noted singer, Miss Anna Royanna, to
come here and sing. She complied with the request, and is now here."

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 th