time to
go, I think. I feel that when I return, this evening, I may be able to
express a little of what I owe you, and, then, thank God on my bended
knees."

"I shall be so proud to watch the dawning of your success and
happiness," I told her, with a catch in my throat.

"Yes, success would be splendid, Dave, but the happiness has been coming
a long time. You brought me some of it in your pockets all last summer
and gave it to me every week. Oh! Dave! God bless you!"

She put out her hand to me and looked deeply in my eyes. Her heart was
very full, I know, but I felt that it was the gratitude a woman could
give to a beloved brother.

And so we went away, with a last kiss blown at Baby Paul and a thousand
good wishes from Eulalie. The taxi I had ordered was at the door and
drove first to Dr. Porter's, and then to Frieda's, who was waiting for
us, a very shapeless bundle done up in an ample and all-concealing
cloak. I was thankful that her head was bare, having dreaded some
abomination in the way of a hat.

"Oof!" she exclaimed. "My gown's horribly tight. Had to have the
janitress come up to hook it in the back and I hope nothing gives way.
We're an awfully swell lot this evening. First thing you know they'll be
talking about us in the papers, under the heading of Society News."

She maintained an endless chatter, in which I discovered much method. It
was evidently her purpose to keep Frances from getting nervous. Finally,
we reached the concert hall, in which people were still crowding.
Richetti's circle of acquaintances is a vast and distinguished one and
his concerts, few and far between, are events in the musical world.

Frances and Frieda stood on the sidewalk, while I was paying the driver.

"We are going in by another entrance, David," she told me. "You go and
find your seats and possess your souls in patience. You will hear some
excellent music. When I come on, don't make too much noise because it
might distract my attention."

I gave her my hand, which she pressed in a strong and nervous clasp that
lasted for a fraction of a second, and then the two disappeared among
the many people surging towards the doors.

For some minutes Porter and I stood at the back of the hall, as did
many others, in order not to interrupt a duet between basso and soprano,
most creditable to two young people, who retired with many bows and much
approval from the audience. The young lady was quite collected and
smiling, but th