“Are you singing in London?” they cried.
“In grand opera at Covent Garden,” put in Miss Campbell solemnly.
“A grand opera singer?”
Maria Ruggles Cortinas actually blushed like a schoolgirl before their wondering faces.
“I hope you will forgive me,” she laughed.
Elinor took her hand and looked reverently into her face.
“I have always wanted to know a grand opera singer,” she said. “I always thought it would be like knowing a goddess. They seem so far above everything, so big——”
“They are certainly big, dear,” laughed Maria, kissing her.
“And are we to hear you sing to-night?” asked Mary.
“No, not to-night. Some of the others. I never sing two nights in succession. That is why I could not join in the search for you last night. I was singing, and I knew nothing about what had happened until I got home and mother told me.”