"Not yet. It's time for you to go get ready for your part."
"Now?"
"Yes, you run on back there and find Aunt Vic. And, hon, you do exactly like she says."
I found Aunt Vic, and I watched and listened as she and the schoolteacher sent the big kids out front by two's and three's to give their readings. Aunt Vic went through my piece with me again and had me whisper it to her three times. Then, right in the middle of Irene's verses about a hot Christmas pudding—and before I knew it was anywhere near my turn—Aunt Vic said I would be next.
"Sugar, repeat your recitation to me one more time now, real slow."
I rattled it off.
"Fine! You're just about the smartest girl I ever saw!"
Aunt Vic handed me Papa's rumpled hat that I had brought from home and told me to follow her.
"Hold the hat out in front of you, sugar. With both hands."
When Aunt Vic and I got out to the middle of the stage, she took a big breath and made her voice go high and clear. "At this time, our little walking tree will recite the old-time Beggar's Rhyme, and this will conclude our program for the evening."