“Of course it is,” said Jessie, gladly. “Wait! I’ll get a chance to speak with her.”
“Do you suppose she is trying to get on the program, too?” asked Amy, in surprise.
“It may be. They pay a small fee I believe to those who really are able to render an interesting number. Didn’t little Henrietta say that Bertha could sing?”
“Of course she did. There! Will you speak to Bertha?”
Jessie was ready to do just that. She saw Mr. Blair turn from the plainly dressed girl with some hesitancy. As though his gaze was held against his will the superintendent stood looking after her.
“Why, Bertha!” Jessie exclaimed, meeting Henrietta’s cousin with outstretched hand. “How glad I am to see you again. Father would like to see you, too. Especially if you find yourself in need at all,” and she smiled at the girl.
“Oh! Is it you, Miss Jessie? I have a place in Stratfordtown here. But they told me that I might earn a little extra here evenings by singing. And I would like to make enough to have little Henrietta with me.”
“Why, I know Daddy Norwood feels so grateful to you for helping him in the Ellison case that he would gladly do something for you and Henrietta. We have already talked about it.”
“But I could not take anything in payment for telling the truth in court,” declared the other girl hastily. “You know, that would not be right.”
“We-ell,” said Jessie hesitatingly. “Perhaps not. I am afraid you are a wee bit proud, Bertha.”