“Of course!” Mrs. Craig cried, jumping up. Doris and Mrs. Tyler followed her out into the hall.
“You were just perfect, Doris,” Mrs. Tyler said. “I never heard you play so well.” She wiped her eyes.
“Oh, Mother,” Doris sighed, leaning against Mrs. Craig. “I’m scared.”
Mrs. Craig patted her arm. “Relax, darling. We probably won’t know for several months whether or not you won. If not, you can always try again.”
Mr. Hansen stepped into the hall. He stroked his chin thoughtfully as they all went back into the living room.
“I don’t understand it,” he said thoughtfully. “I simply don’t understand it at all. Miss Smythe and I have been traveling the length of the East Coast, and right here in Elmhurst we do something we’ve never done before. Not once, but twice!”
Doris clutched her mother’s hand.
“It’s our usual procedure,” Mr. Hansen continued, “to award five scholarships to Timothy College a year. We make quite comprehensive notes about each student and then talk it over later and award them just before the opening of school after we’ve completed our trip. But this afternoon we heard a young man ... a violinist ... who prompted us to choose him without any further discussion. He’s extremely gifted. I haven’t heard talent in such a youngster for years!
“And now your daughter. She is very gifted, Mrs. Craig. Both Miss Smythe and I have no hesitation in inviting Doris to Timothy for a year of study.”
Doris stared wide-eyed at the man. “You mean...?”