“Bertha is crazy about that singing,” said the woman, when the girl had gone up to her room to change her dress. “She is a good girl, but not just like any other I ever had to help me.”
“I believe she is a thoroughly good girl,” Jessie said. “And she is very fond of little Henrietta, her cousin.”
“That child!” and the mistress laughed. “She was here once. Bertha wants her little cousin with her. But I am not sure I could stand that.”
Bertha reappeared, and Jessie thanked the woman for allowing the girl to go. Mark and Amy received Bertha cordially, and they got back to the plant in a hurry. Jessie took Bertha at once up to Mr. Blair, who was listening in on the rehearsal of other members on the hospital fund program.
“So this is Bertha Blair, is it?” he asked, curiously examining the young girl. “I remember that you were good enough to offer your services for some program, my dear. Suppose you go up to the sending room, along with Miss Jessie, and sing for us. Have you your music?”
“Yes, sir,” Bertha said composedly.
The superintendent still watched her curiously. “I don’t suppose that I have ever met you before?”
“Not before the other day, sir,” returned Bertha.
“No. I thought not. Well, go up and try it. I hope you will succeed. And if you suit Mrs. Norwood and the ladies in this concert I will make use of your voice again.”
Bertha was delighted with this promise. Jessie wondered if the girl did not think that Mr. Blair might be related to her, but the excited Bertha said nothing about it.