Hester laughed. “She wasn’t half her true self,” said the girl. “Oh, of course she was wonderful, and much greater than others; but I wish you could have heard her tell stories in Scotland. We used to have just one blink of light from the fire, and we sat and held each other’s hands, and I tell you Betty made us thrill.”
“Well, now that you have reminded me,” said Fanny, rising as she spoke, “I must go and attend that committee meeting. I really forgot it, so I am greatly obliged to you girls for reminding me. And you mustn’t be jealous of your sister; that is a very wrong feeling.”
The girls laughed and ran off, while Fanny slowly walked down the recreation-hall and then ascended some stairs, until she found herself in that particularly cosy and bright sitting-room which was set apart for the Specialities.
Martha West was there, also Susie Rushworth, the two Bertrams, and Olive Repton. But Margaret Grant had not yet appeared, nor had Betty Vivian. Fanny took her seat near Olive. The girls began to chat, and the subject of last night’s entertainment was discussed pretty fully. Most of the girls present agreed that it was remarkably silly of Sibyl Ray to wear marguerites in her hair, that they were very sorry for her, and hoped she would not be so childish again. It was just at that moment that Margaret Grant appeared, and immediately afterwards Betty Vivian. The minutes of the last committee meeting were read aloud, and then Margaret turned and asked the girls if they were thoroughly satisfied with the entertainment of the previous night. They all answered in the affirmative except Fanny, who was silent. Neither did Betty speak, for she had been the chief contributor to the entertainment.
“Well,” continued Margaret, “I may as well say at once that I was delighted. Betty, I didn’t know that you possessed so great a gift. I wish you would improvise as you did last night one evening for Mrs. Haddo.”
Betty turned a little whiter than usual. Then she said slowly, “Alone with her—and with you—I could.”
“I think she would love it,” said Margaret. “It would surprise her just to picture the scene as you threw yourself into it last night.”
“I could do it,” said Betty, “alone with her and with you.”
There was not a scrap of vanity in Betty’s manner. She spoke seriously, just as one who, knowing she possesses a gift, accepts it and is thankful.
“I couldn’t get it out of my head all night,” continued Margaret, “more particularly that part where the angels came. It was a very beautiful idea, Betty dear, and I congratulate you on being able to conjure up such fine images in your mind.”