“He will have a chorus. Every child in the village must be in that. And he is going to send for some of his friends,—a man to play the harp, and a lady to sing, and some others. And Herman, you know, plays on the piano,—that’s his profession.”
“Oh!” said Chee, in a tone of new understanding.
“But wait, dear, the best part is coming. You are the best part of all.”
“Me?”
“Yes, Birdie, you. That’s what the whole thing is for. It’s Mr. Green’s idea as much as Herman’s. It’s to be kept a surprise—I mean you are—your name won’t appear on the programme at all.”
“My name on the programme! Cousin Gertrude, what do you mean?” Poor Chee was thoroughly alarmed now.
“Mean? You dear little monkey, you. Why nothing at all but that you and your violin are going to bring down the house.”
“Do you mean my secret has got to come out?”
“Of course. Isn’t it already out? More’s the pity it has been kept so long.”
“But Aunt Mean! Why, Cousin Gertrude, what are you thinking of? You know how she hates it, and calls it wicked.” Chee was almost in tears.