He lost no time in finding out the manager of the professional singers for the evening and through Harriet's enthusiastic music teachers arranged for her appearance.
From the moment this was accomplished his natural optimism returned. His success was sure. He gave his time with renewed energy to his work among the poor.
On the day of the ball Harriet was waiting in a fever of impatience for his return from the hospitals to dress. At half past seven their dinner was cold and he had not come. It was eight o'clock before his familiar footstep echoed through the hall.
Harriet kissed him tenderly.
"I'm glad you're safe at home at last—now hurry."
"I'll not delay you much. I can dress in thirty minutes. My! my! but you're glorious to-night, child! I never saw you look so beautiful!"
She pushed him into the dining room, crying:
"Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! This is really the first night in my career. Jim's been gone an hour. Dinner up there begins at eight."
"But my star does not rise to sing before eleven—the ball begins at twelve. I've plenty of time to love you a minute or two."
He drew her near again and kissed her.