This solo, so cunningly sung by the pudgy little mite, “brought down the house,” and little Katie and her family were delighted with the praise which she received. Still the little girl stood upon the platform until the audience began to think that she wished to sing another verse.
“Go on, Katie,” called her brother Jack, “what yer waiting for?”
“I forgot somefin and I dunno what. Oh, yes, I do. It’s dis,” and, making a comical little bow, this very conscientious little soloist left the platform, feeling that now her performance was complete.
Every one laughed and gave Katie more praise, and she curled up in her mother’s lap, feeling her wee self to be a very successful singer.
“We will now look at a tableau called ‘Titian’s Daughter,’” announced Jotham.
Away flew the curtain and Jemima Babson stood in the fine pose, copying to perfection the engraving of that subject. Jemima was resplendent.
“Oh! oh!” ejaculated every one. A glint of bright light shone in her eyes. She had liked that picture better than any which Miss Dayton had shown the girls when they had called for the first rehearsal, and was delighted when Helen chose it for her tableau.
Next came her sister Belinda as the “Magdalene.” Belinda always wore her yellow hair in braids, but to-night it shone like rippling gold over her shoulders. With her blue eyes uplifted, and the shimmering mass of yellow hair, who could believe that the “Magdalene” was Belinda Babson, the girl who climbed every apple tree in her father’s orchard, and laughed at chance passers-by from the highest branches.
“A solo by Miss Dayton will close the entertainment.”
Helen had sung at church with the congregation, but until to-night no one, not even Randy, had heard her sing a solo.