There was so much applause after this that Rosanna could not help wondering if it was a good strong barn!
Then there was a short pause while the orchestra played.
As it ended, Uncle Robert appeared before the curtain. He looked so beautiful to Rosanna in his evening dress with his merry eyes and pleasant smile, that her eyes filled with tears of pride. And he made a beautiful simple little speech. He told the audience a great deal about the Girl Scouts and all the good the organization was doing for the girls and others as well, and then he told of the little lame girl, suffering so hopelessly and so patiently, and how these Girl Scouts had determined to help her. He told them there was no price set on the tickets, because some might feel like giving ten cents or even a quarter or so but that no one was asked to leave more than a nickel. And then he called their attention to the beautiful curtain and told them that that and the scenery was the gift of a friend who was a sign painter, who had done it Sundays and nights after work as his contribution to the benefit, and everybody clapped furiously, and Mr. Harriman and the thirty-five cent gentleman commenced to nudge each other behind Rosanna. She was sitting on the very front edge of the bench.
Then Uncle Robert said:
“After another short selection by the orchestra there will be a play written by one of the Girl Scouts. We hope that you will enjoy it.” He bowed, and stepped behind the curtain, while everybody clapped and Mr. Harriman thumped with his cane.
As the orchestra struck up, the thirty-five cent gentleman leaned over to Mr. Harriman and said, “What are you going to do about it, Dick?”
“Do ’swell’s you do,” said Mr. Harriman.
“Just as much?” questioned the thirty-five cent gentleman.
“Yes,” said Mr. Harriman, snorting. “And fifty over!”
“I will break even with you both,” said the third gentleman, leaning across.