WHILE Rose was making discoveries and having experiences, Phebe was doing the same in a quieter way, but though they usually compared notes during the bedtime téte-à-téte which always ended their day, certain topics were never mentioned, so each had a little world of her own into which even the eye of friendship did not peep.
Rose's life just now was the gaiest but Phebe's the happiest. Both went out a good deal, for the beautiful voice was welcomed everywhere, and many were ready to patronize the singer who would have been slow to recognize the woman. Phebe knew this and made no attempt to assert herself, content to know that those whose regard she valued felt her worth and hopeful of a time when she could gracefully1 take the place she was meant to fill.
Proud as a princess was Phebe about some things, though in most as humble2 as a child; therefore, when each year lessened3 the service she loved to give and increased the obligations she would have refused from any other source, dependence4 became a burden which even the most fervent5 gratitude7 could not lighten. Hitherto the children had gone on together, finding no obstacles to their companionship in the secluded8 world in which they lived. Now that they were women their paths inevitably9 diverged10, and both reluctantly felt that they must part before long.
It had been settled, when they were abroad, that on their return Phebe should take her one gift in her hand and try her fortunes. On no other terms would she accept the teaching which was to fit her for the independence she desired. Faithfully had she used the facilities so generously afforded both at home and abroad and now was ready to prove that they had not been in vain. Much encouraged by the small successes she won in drawing rooms, and the praise bestowed12 by interested friends, she began to feel that she might venture on a larger field and begin her career as a concert singer, for she aimed no higher.
Just at this time much interest was felt in a new asylum13 for orphan14 girls, which could not be completed for want of funds. The Campbells well had borne their part and still labored15 to accomplish the much-needed charity. Several fairs had been given for this purpose, followed by a series of concerts. Rose had thrown herself into the work with all her heart and now proposed that Phebe should make her début at the last concert, which was to be a peculiarly interesting one, as all the orphans16 were to be present and were expected to plead their own cause by the sight of their innocent helplessness as well as touch hearts by the simple airs they were to sing.
Some of the family thought Phebe would object to so humble a beginning, but Rose knew her better and was not disappointed, for when she made her proposal Phebe answered readily: "Where could I find a fitter time and place to come before the public than here among my little sisters in misfortune? I'll sing for them with all my heart only I must be one of them and have no flourish made about me."
"You shall arrange it as you like, and as there is to be little vocal17 music but yours and the children's, I'll see that you have everything as you please," promised Rose.
It was well she did, for the family got much excited over the prospect18 of "our Phebe's début" and would have made a flourish if the girls had not resisted. Aunt Clara was in despair about the dress because Phebe decided19 to wear a plain claret-colored merino with frills at neck and wrists so that she might look, as much as possible, like the other orphans in their stuff gowns and white aprons20. Aunt Plenty wanted to have a little supper afterward21 in honor of the occasion, but Phebe begged her to change it to a Christmas dinner for the poor children. The boys planned to throw bushels of flowers, and Charlie claimed the honor of leading the singer in. But Phebe, with tears in her eyes, declined their kindly22 offers, saying earnestly: "I had better begin as I am to go on and depend upon myself entirely23. Indeed, Mr. Charlie, I'd rather walk in alone, for you'd be out of place among us and spoil the pathetic effect we wish to produce." And a smile sparkled through the tears as Phebe looked at the piece of elegance24 before her and thought of the brown gowns and pinafores.
So, after much discussion, it was decided that she should have her way in all things and the family content themselves with applauding from the front.
"We'll blister25 our hands every man of us, and carry you home in a chariot and four see if we don't, you perverse26 prima donna!" threatened Steve, not at all satisfied with the simplicity27 of the affair.
"A chariot and two will be very acceptable as soon as I'm done. I shall be quite steady till my part is all over, and then I may feel a little upset, so I'd like to get away before the confusion begins. Indeed, I don't mean to be perverse, but you are all so kind to me, my heart is full whenever I think of it, and that wouldn't do if I'm to sing," said Phebe, dropping one of the tears on the little frill she was making.
"No diamond could have adorned28 it better," Archie thought as he watched it shine there for a moment, and felt like shaking Steve for daring to pat the dark head with an encouraging "All right. I'll be on hand and whisk you away while the rest are splitting their gloves. No fear of your breaking down. If you feel the least bit like it, though, just look at me and I'll glare at you and shake my fist, since kindness upsets you."
"I wish you would, because one of my ballads30 is rather touching31 and I always want to cry when I sing it. The sight of you trying to glare will make me want to laugh and that will steady me nicely, so sit in front, please, ready to slip out when I come off the last time."
"Depend upon me!" And the little man departed, taking great credit to himself for his influence over tall, handsome Phebe.
If he had known what was going on in the mind of the silent young gentleman behind the newspaper, Steve would have been much astonished, for Archie, though apparently32 engrossed33 by business, was fathoms34 deep in love by this time. No one suspected this but Rose, for he did his wooing with his eyes, and only Phebe knew how eloquent35 they could be. He had discovered what the matter was long ago had made many attempts to reason himself out of it, but, finding it a hopeless task, had given up trying and let himself drift deliciously. The knowledge that the family would not approve only seemed to add ardor36 to his love and strength to his purpose, for the same energy and persistence37 which he brought to business went into everything he did, and having once made up his mind to marry Phebe, nothing could change this plan except a word from her.
He watched and waited for three months, so that he might not be accused of precipitation, though it did not take him one to decide that this was the woman to make him happy. Her steadfast38 nature, quiet, busy ways, and the reserved power and passion betrayed sometimes by a flash of the black eyes, a quiver of the firm lips, suited Archie, who possessed39 many of the same attributes himself. The obscurity of her birth and isolation40 of her lot, which would have deterred41 some lovers, not only appealed to his kindly heart, but touched the hidden romance which ran like a vein42 of gold through his strong common sense and made practical, steady-going Archie a poet when he fell in love. If Uncle Mac had guessed what dreams and fancies went on in the head bent43 over his ledgers44, and what emotions were fermenting45 in the bosom46 of his staid "right-hand man," he would have tapped his forehead and suggested a lunatic asylum. The boys thought Archie had sobered down too soon. His mother began to fear that the air of the counting room did not suit him, and Dr. Alec was deluded48 into the belief that the fellow really began to "think of Rose," he came so often in the evening, seeming quite content to sit beside her worktable and snip49 tape or draw patterns while they chatted.
No one observed that, though he talked to Rose on these occasions, he looked at Phebe, in her low chair close by, busy but silent, for she always tried to efface50 herself when Rose was near and often mourned that she was too big to keep out of sight. No matter what he talked about, Archie always saw the glossy51 black braids on the other side of the table, the damask cheek curving down into the firm white throat, and the dark lashes52, lifted now and then, showing eyes so deep and soft he dared not look into them long. Even the swift needle charmed him, the little brooch which rose and fell with her quiet breath, the plain work she did, and the tidy way she gathered her bits of thread into a tiny bag. He seldom spoke53 to her; never touched her basket, though he ravaged54 Rose's if he wanted string or scissors; very rarely ventured to bring her some curious or pretty thing when ships came in from China only sat and thought of her, imagined that this was his parlor55, this her worktable, and they two sitting there alone a happy man and wife.
At this stage of the little evening drama he would be conscious of such a strong desire to do something rash that he took refuge in a new form of intoxication56 and proposed music, sometimes so abruptly57 that Rose would pause in the middle of a sentence and look at him, surprised to meet a curiously58 excited look in the usually cool gray eyes.
Then Phebe, folding up her work, would go to the piano, as if glad to find a vent6 for the inner life which she seemed to have no power of expressing except in song. Rose would follow to accompany her, and Archie, moving to a certain shady corner whence he could see Phebe's face as she sang, would give himself up to unmitigated rapture59 for half an hour. Phebe never sang so well as at such times, for the kindly atmosphere was like sunshine to a bird, criticisms were few and gentle, praises hearty60 and abundant, and she poured out her soul as freely as a spring gushes61 up when its hidden source is full.
In moments such as these Phebe was beautiful with the beauty that makes a man's eye brighten with honest admiration62 and fills his heart with a sense of womanly nobility and sweetness. Little wonder, then, that the chief spectator of this agreeable tableau63 grew nightly more enamored, and while the elders were deep in whist, the young people were playing that still more absorbing game in which hearts are always trumps64.
Rose, having Dummy65 for a partner, soon discovered the fact and lately had begun to feel as she fancied Wall must have done when Pyramus wooed Thisbe through its chinks. She was a little startled at first, then amused, then anxious, then heartily66 interested, as every woman is in such affairs, and willingly continued to be a medium, though sometimes she quite tingled67 with the electricity which seemed to pervade68 the air. She said nothing, waiting for Phebe to speak, but Phebe was silent, seeming to doubt the truth till doubt became impossible, then to shrink as if suddenly conscious of wrongdoing and seize every possible pretext69 for absenting herself from the "girls' corner," as the pretty recess70 was called.
The concert plan afforded excellent opportunities for doing this, and evening after evening she slipped away to practice her songs upstairs while Archie sat staring disconsolately71 at the neglected work basket and mute piano. Rose pitied him and longed to say a word of comfort, but felt shy he was such a reserved fellow so left him to conduct his quiet wooing in his own way, feeling that the crisis would soon arrive.
She was sure of this as she sat beside him on the evening of the concert, for while the rest of the family nodded and smiled, chatted and laughed in great spirits, Archie was as mute as a fish and sat with his arms tightly folded, as if to keep in any unruly emotions which might attempt to escape. He never looked at the program, but Rose knew when Phebe's turn came by the quick breath he drew and the intent look, so absent before, that came into his eyes.
But her own excitement prevented much notice of his, for Rose was in a flutter of hope and fear, sympathy and delight, about Phebe and her success. The house was crowded; the audience sufficiently72 mixed to make the general opinion impartial73; and the stage full of little orphans with shining faces, a most effective reminder74 of the object in view.
"Little dears, how nice they look!" "Poor things, so young to be fatherless and motherless." "It will be a disgrace to the city if those girls are not taken proper care of." "Subscriptions75 are always in order, you know, and pretty Miss Campbell will give you her sweetest smile if you hand her a handsome check." "I've heard this Phebe Moore, and she really has a delicious voice such a pity she won't fit herself for opera!" "Only sings three times tonight; that's modest, I'm sure, when she's the chief attraction, so we must give her an encore after the Italian piece." "The orphans lead off, I see. Stop your ears if you like, but don't fail to applaud or the ladies will never forgive you."
Chat of this sort went on briskly while fans waved, programs rustled76, and ushers77 flew about distractedly, till an important gentleman appeared, made his bow, skipped upon the leader's stand, and with a wave of his baton78 caused a general uprising of white pinafores as the orphans led off with that much-enduring melody "America" in shrill79 small voices, but with creditable attention to time and tune11. Pity and patriotism80 produced a generous round of applause, and the little girls sat down, beaming with innocent satisfaction.
An instrumental piece followed, and then a youthful gentleman, with his hair in picturesque81 confusion, and what his friends called a "musical brow," bounded up the steps and, clutching a roll of music with a pair of tightly gloved hands, proceed to inform the audience, in a husky tenor82 voice, that "It was a lovely violet."
What else the song contained in the way of sense or sentiment it was impossible to discover as the three pages of music appeared to consist of variations upon that one line, ending with a prolonged quaver which flushed the musical brow and left the youth quite breathless when he made his bow.
"Now she's coming! Oh, Uncle, my heart beats as if it were myself!" whispered Rose, clutching Dr. Alec's arm with a little gasp83 as the piano was rolled forward, the leader's stand pushed back, and all eyes turned toward the anteroom door.
She forgot to glance at Archie, and it was as well perhaps, for his heart was thumping84 almost audibly as he waited for his Phebe. Not from the anteroom, but out among the children, where she had sat unseen in the shadow of the organ, came stately Phebe in her wine-colored dress, with no ornament85 but her fine hair and a white flower at her throat. Very pale, but quite composed, apparently, for she stepped slowly through the narrow lane of upturned faces, holding back her skirts lest they should rudely brush against some little head. Straight to the front she went, bowed hastily, and, with a gesture to the accompanist, stood waiting to begin, her eyes fixed86 on the great gilt87 clock at the opposite end of the hall.
They never wandered from that point while she sang, but as she ended they dropped for an instant on an eager, girlish countenance88 bending from a front seat; then, with her hasty little bow, she went quickly back among the children, who clapped and nodded as she passed, well pleased with the ballad29 she had sung.
Everyone courteously89 followed their example, but there was no enthusiasm, and it was evident that Phebe had not produced a particularly favorable impression.
"Never sang so badly in her life," muttered Charlie irefully.
"She was frightened, poor thing. Give her time, give her time," said Uncle Mac kindly.
"I know she was, and I glared like a gorgon90, but she never looked at me," added Steve, smoothing his gloves and his brows at the same time.
"That first song was the hardest, and she got through much better than I expected," put in Dr. Alec, bound not to show the disappointment he felt.
"Don't be troubled. Phebe has courage enough for anything, and she'll astonish you before the evening's over," prophesied91 Mac with unabated confidence, for he knew something the rest did not.
Rose said nothing, but under cover of her burnous gave Archie's hand a sympathetic squeeze, for his arms were unfolded now, as if the strain was over, and one lay on his knee while with the other he wiped his hot forehead with an air of relief.
Friends about them murmured complimentary92 fibs and affected93 great delight and surprise at Miss Moore's "charming style," "exquisite94 simplicity," and "undoubted talent." But strangers freely criticized, and Rose was so indignant at some of their remarks, she could not listen to anything on the stage, though a fine overture95 was played, a man with a remarkable96 bass97 voice growled98 and roared melodiously99, and the orphans sang a lively air with a chorus of "Tra, la, la," which was a great relief to little tongues unused to long silence.
"I've often heard that women's tongues were hung in the middle and went at both ends now I'm sure of it," whispered Charlie, trying to cheer her up by pointing out the comical effect of some seventy-five open mouths in each of which the unruly member was wagging briskly.
Rose laughed and let him fan her, leaning from his seat behind with the devoted100 air he always assumed in public, but her wounded feelings were not soothed101 and she continued to frown at the stout102 man on the left who had dared to say with a shrug103 and a glance at Phebe's next piece, "That young woman can no more sing this Italian thing than she can fly, and they ought not to let her attempt it."
Phebe did, however, and suddenly changed the stout man's opinion by singing it grandly, for the consciousness of her first failure pricked104 her pride and spurred her to do her best with the calm sort of determination which conquers fear, fires ambition, and changes defeat to success. She looked steadily105 at Rose now, or the flushed, intent face beside her, and throwing all her soul into the task, let her voice ring out like a silver clarion106, filling the great hall and setting the hearers' blood a-tingle with the exulting107 strain.
That settled Phebe's fate as a cantatrice; for the applause was genuine and spontaneous this time and broke out again and again with the generous desire to atone108 for former coldness. But she would not return, and the shadow of the great organ seemed to have swallowed her up, for no eye could find her, no pleasant clamor win her back.
"Now I can die content," said Rose, beaming with heartfelt satisfaction while Archie looked steadfastly109 at his program, trying to keep his face in order, and the rest of the family assumed a triumphant110 air, as if they had never doubted from the first.
"Very well, indeed," said the stout man with an approving nod. "Quite promising111 for a beginner. Shouldn't wonder if in time they made a second Cary or Kellogg of her."
"Now you'll forgive him, won't you?" murmured Charlie in his cousin's ear.
"Yes, and I'd like to pat him on the head. But take warning and never judge by first appearances again," whispered Rose, at peace now with all mankind.
Phebe's last song was another ballad; she meant to devote her talent to that much neglected but always attractive branch of her art. It was a great surprise, therefore, to all but one person in the hall when, instead of singing "Auld112 Robin113 Grey," she placed herself at the piano, and, with a smiling glance over her shoulder at the children, broke out in the old bird song which first won Rose. But the chirping114, twittering, and cooing were now the burden to three verses of a charming little song, full of springtime and the awakening115 life that makes it lovely. A rippling116 accompaniment flowed through it all, and a burst of delighted laughter from the children filled up the first pause with a fitting answer to the voices that seemed calling to them from the vernal woods.
It was very beautiful, and novelty lent its charm to the surprise, for art and nature worked a pretty miracle and the clever imitation, first heard from a kitchen hearth117, now became the favorite in a crowded concert room. Phebe was quite herself again; color in the cheeks now; eyes that wandered smiling to and fro; and lips that sang as gaily118 and far more sweetly than when she kept time to her blithe119 music with a scrubbing brush.
This song was evidently intended for the children, and they appreciated the kindly thought, for as Phebe went back among them, they clapped ecstatically, flapped their pinafores, and some caught her by the skirts with audible requests to "Do it again, please; do it again."
But Phebe shook her head and vanished, for it was getting late for such small people, several of whom "lay sweetly slumbering120 there" till roused by the clamor round them. The elders, however, were not to be denied and applauded persistently121, especially Aunt Plenty, who seized Uncle Mac's cane122 and pounded with it as vigorously as "Mrs. Nubbles" at the play.
"Never mind your gloves, Steve; keep it up till she comes," cried Charlie, enjoying the fun like a boy while Jamie lost his head with excitement and, standing123 up, called "Phebe! Phebe!" in spite of his mother's attempts to silence him.
Even the stout man clapped, and Rose could only laugh delightedly as she turned to look at Archie, who seemed to have let himself loose at last and was stamping with a dogged energy funny to see.
So Phebe had to come, and stood there meekly124 bowing, with a moved look on her face that showed how glad and grateful she was, till a sudden hush125 came; then, as if inspired by the memory of the cause that brought her there, she looked down into the sea of friendly faces before her, with no trace of fear in her own, and sang the song that never will grow old.
That went straight to the hearts of those who heard her, for there was something inexpressibly touching in the sight of this sweet-voiced woman singing of home for the little creatures who were homeless, and Phebe made her tuneful plea irresistible126 by an almost involuntary gesture of the hands which had hung loosely clasped before her till, with the last echo of the beloved word, they fell apart and were half outstretched, as if pleading to be filled.
It was the touch of nature that works wonders, for it made full purses suddenly weigh heavily in pockets slow to open, brought tears to eyes unused to weep, and caused that group of red-gowned girls to grow
"She held up the lovely nosegay, saying in her baby voice, 'Dis for you, ma'am"
very pathetic in the sight of fathers and mothers who had left little daughters safe asleep at home. This was evident from the stillness that remained unbroken for an instant after Phebe ended; and before people could get rid of their handkerchiefs she would have been gone if the sudden appearance of a mite127 in a pinafore, climbing up the stairs from the anteroom with a great bouquet128 grasped in both hands, had not arrested her.
Up came the little creature, intent on performing the mission for which rich bribes129 of sugarplums had been promised, and trotting130 bravely across the stage, she held up the lovely nosegay, saying in her baby voice, "Dis for you, ma'am." Then, startled by the sudden outburst of applause, she hid her face in Phebe's gown and began to sob47 with fright.
An awkward minute for poor Phebe, but she showed unexpected presence of mind and left behind her a pretty picture of the oldest and youngest orphan as she went quickly down the step, smiling over the great bouquet with the baby on her arm.
Nobody minded the closing piece, for people began to go, sleepy children to be carried off, and whispers grew into a buzz of conversation. In the general confusion Rose looked to see if Steve had remembered his promise to help Phebe slip away before the rush began. No, there he was putting on Kitty's cloak, quite oblivious131 to any other duty. Turning to ask Archie to hurry out, Rose found that he had already vanished, leaving his gloves behind him.
"Have you lost anything?" asked Dr. Alec, catching132 a glimpse of her face.
"No, sir, I've found something," she whispered back, giving him the gloves to pocket along with her fan and glass, adding hastily as the concert ended, "Please, Uncle, tell them all not to come with us. Phebe has had enough excitement and ought to rest."
Rose's word was law to the family in all things concerning Phebe. So word was passed that there were to be no congratulations until tomorrow, and Dr. Alec got his party off as soon as possible. But all the way home, while he and Aunt Plenty were prophesying133 a brilliant future for the singer, Rose sat rejoicing over the happy present of the woman. She was sure that Archie had spoken and imagined the whole scene with feminine delight how tenderly he had asked the momentous134 question, how gratefully Phebe had given the desired reply, and now how both were enjoying that delicious hour which Rose had been given to understand never came but once. Such a pity to shorten it, she thought, and begged her uncle to go home the longest way the night was so mild, the moonlight so clear, and herself so in need of fresh air after the excitement of the evening.
"I thought you would want to rush into Phebe's arms the instant she got done," said Aunt Plenty, innocently wondering at the whims135 girls took into their heads.
"So I should if I consulted my own wishes, but as Phebe asked to be let alone I want to gratify her," answered Rose, making the best excuse she could.
"A little piqued," thought the doctor, fancying he understood the case.
As the old lady's rheumatism136 forbade their driving about till midnight, home was reached much too soon, Rose thought, and tripped away to warn the lovers the instant she entered the house. But study, parlor, and boudoir were empty; and, when Jane appeared with cake and wine, she reported that "Miss Phebe went right upstairs and wished to be excused, please, being very tired."
"That isn't at all like Phebe I hope she isn't ill," began Aunt Plenty, sitting down to toast her feet.
"She may be a little hysterical137, for she is a proud thing and represses her emotions as long as she can. I'll step up and see if she doesn't need a soothing138 draft of some sort." And Dr. Alec threw off his coat as he spoke.
"No, no, she's only tired. I'll run up to her she won't mind me and I'll report if anything is amiss."
Away went Rose, quite trembling with suspense139, but Phebe's door was shut, no light shone underneath140, and no sound came from the room within. She tapped and receiving no answer, went on to her own chamber141, thinking to herself: "Love always makes people queer, I've heard, so I suppose they settled it all in the carriage and the dear thing ran away to think about her happiness alone. I'll not disturb her. Why, Phebe!" said Rose, surprised, for, entering her room, there was the cantatrice, busy about the nightly services she always rendered her little mistress.
"I'm waiting for you, dear. Where have you been so long?" asked Phebe, poking142 the fire as if anxious to get some color into cheeks that were unnaturally143 pale.
The instant she spoke Rose knew that something was wrong, and a glance at her face confirmed the fear. It was like a dash of cold water and quenched144 her happy fancies in a moment; but being a delicate-minded girl, she respected Phebe's mood and asked no questions, made no comments, and left her friend to speak or be silent as she chose.
"I was so excited I would take a turn in the moonlight to calm my nerves. Oh, dearest Phebe, I am so glad, so proud, so full of wonder at your courage and skill and sweet ways altogether that I cannot half tell you how I love and honor you!" she cried, kissing the white cheeks with such tender warmth they could not help glowing faintly as Phebe held her little mistress close, sure that nothing could disturb this innocent affection.
"It is all your work, dear, because but for you I might still be scrubbing floors and hardly dare to dream of anything like this," she said in her old grateful way, but in her voice there was a thrill of something deeper than gratitude, and at the last two words her head went up with a gesture of soft pride as if it had been newly crowned.
Rose heard and saw and guessed at the meaning of both tone and gesture, feeling that her Phebe deserved both the singer's laurel and the bride's myrtle wreath. But she only looked up, saying very wistfully,-
"Then it has been a happy night for you as well as for us."
"The happiest of my life, and the hardest," answered Phebe briefly145 as she looked away from the questioning eyes.
"You should have let us come nearer and help you through. I'm afraid you are very proud, my Jenny Lind."
"I have to be, for sometimes I feel as if I had nothing else to keep me up." She stopped short there, fearing that her voice would prove traitorous146 if she went on. In a moment she asked in a tone that was almost hard: "You think I did well tonight?"
"They all think so, and were so delighted they wanted to come in a body and tell you so, but I sent them home because I knew you'd be tired out. Perhaps I ought not to have done it and you'd rather have had a crowd about you than just me?"
"It was the kindest thing you ever did, and what could I like better than 'just you,' my darling?"
Phebe seldom called her that, and when she did her heart was in the little word, making it so tender that Rose thought it the sweetest in the world, next to Uncle Alec's "my little girl." Now it was almost passionate147, and Phebe's face grew rather tragical148 as she looked down at Rose. It was impossible to seem unconscious any longer, and Rose said, caressing149 Phebe's cheek, which burned with a feverish150 color now: "Then don't shut me out if you have a trouble, but let me share it as I let you share all mine."
"I will! Little mistress, I've got to go away, sooner even than we planned."
"Why, Phebe?"
"Because Archie loves me."
"That's the very reason you should stay and make him happy."
"Not if it caused dissension in the family, and you know it would."
Rose opened her lips to deny this impetuously, but checked herself and answered honestly: "Uncle and I would be heartily glad, and I'm sure Aunt Jessie never could object if you loved Archie as he does you."
"She has other hopes, I think, and kind as she is, it would be a disappointment if he brought me home. She is right, they all are, and I alone am to blame. I should have gone long ago I knew I should, but it was so pleasant, I couldn't bear to go away alone."
"I kept you, and I am to blame if anyone, but indeed, dear Phebe, I cannot see why you should care even if Aunt Myra croaks151 and Aunt Clara exclaims or Aunt Jane makes disagreeable remarks. Be happy, and never mind them," cried Rose, so much excited by all this that she felt the spirit of revolt rise up within her and was ready to defy even that awe-inspiring institution "the family" for her friend's sake.
But Phebe shook her head with a sad smile and answered, still with the hard tone in her voice as if forcing back all emotion that she might see her duty clearly,-
"You could do that, but I never can. Answer me this, Rose, and answer truly as you love me. If you had been taken into a house, a friendless, penniless, forlorn girl, and for years been heaped with benefits, trusted, taught, loved, and made, oh, so happy! could you think it right to steal away something that these good people valued very much? To have them feel that you had been ungrateful, had deceived them, and meant to thrust yourself into a high place not fit for you when they had been generously helping152 you in other ways, far more than you deserved. Could you then say as you do now, 'Be happy, and never mind them'?"
Phebe held Rose by the shoulders now and searched her face so keenly that the other shrank a little, for the black eyes were full of fire and there was something almost grand about this girl who seemed suddenly to have become a woman. There was no need for words to answer the question so swiftly asked; for Rose put herself in Phebe's place in the drawing of a breath, and her own pride made her truthfully reply: "No I could not!"
"I knew you'd say that, and help me do my duty." And all the coldness melted out of Phebe's manner as she hugged her little mistress close, feeling the comfort of sympathy even through the blunt sincerity153 of Rose's words.
"I will if I know how. Now, come and tell me all about it." And, seating herself in the great chair which had often held them both, Rose stretched out her hands as if glad and ready to give help of any sort.
But Phebe would not take her accustomed place, for, as if coming to confession154, she knelt down upon the rug and, leaning on the arm of the chair, told her love story in the simplest words.
"I never thought he cared for me until a little while ago. I fancied it was you, and even when I knew he liked to hear me sing I supposed it was because you helped, and so I did my best and was glad you were to be a happy girl. But his eyes told the truth. Then I saw what I had been doing and was frightened. He did not speak, so I believed, what is quite true, that he felt I was not a fit wife for him and would never ask me. It was right I was glad of it, yet I was proud and, though I did not ask or hope for anything, I did want him to see that I respected myself, remembered my duty, and could do right as well as he. I kept away. I planned to go as soon as possible and resolved that at this concert I would do so well, he should not be ashamed of poor Phebe and her one gift."
"It was this that made you so strange, then, preferring to go alone and refusing every little favor at our hands?" asked Rose, feeling very sure now about the state of Phebe's heart.
"Yes, I wanted to do everything myself and not owe one jot155 of my success, if I had any, to even the dearest friend I've got. It was bad and foolish of me, and I was punished by the first dreadful failure. I was so frightened, Rose! My breath was all gone, my eyes so dizzy I could hardly see, and that great crowd of faces seemed so near, I dared not look. If it had not been for the clock I never should have gotten through, and when I did, not knowing in the least how I'd sung, one look at your distressed156 face told me I'd failed."
"But I smiled, Phebe indeed I did as sweetly as I could, for I was sure it was only fright," protested Rose eagerly.
"So you did, but the smile was full of pity, not of pride, as I wanted it to be, and I rushed into a dark place behind the organ, feeling ready to kill myself. How angry and miserable157 I was! I set my teeth, clenched158 my hands, and vowed159 that I would do well next time or never sing another note. I was quite desperate when my turn came, and felt as if I could do almost anything, for I remembered that he was there. I'm not sure how it was, but it seemed as if I was all voice, for I let myself go, trying to forget everything except that two people must not be disappointed, though I died when the song was done."
"Oh, Phebe, it was splendid! I nearly cried, I was so proud and glad to see you do yourself justice at last."
"And he?" whispered Phebe, with her face half hidden on the arm of the chair.
"Said not a word, but I saw his lips tremble and his eyes shine and I knew he was the happiest creature there, because I was sure he did think you fit to be his wife and did mean to speak very soon."
Phebe made no answer for a moment, seeming to forget the small success in the greater one which followed and to comfort her sore heart with the knowledge that Rose was right.
"He sent the flowers; he came for me, and, on the way home, showed me how wrong I had been to doubt him for an hour. Don't ask me to tell that part, but be sure I was the happiest creature in the world then."
And Phebe hid her face again, all wet with tender tears that fell soft and sudden as a summer shower.
Rose let them flow undisturbed while she silently caressed160 the bent head, wondering, with a wistful look in her own wet eyes, what this mysterious passion was which could so move, ennoble, and beautify the beings whom it blessed.
An impertinent little clock upon the chimney-piece striking eleven broke the silence and reminded Phebe that she could not indulge in love dreams there. She started up, brushed off her tears, and said resolutely161: "That is enough for tonight. Go happily to bed, and leave the troubles for tomorrow."
"But, Phebe, I must know what you said," cried Rose, like a child defrauded162 of half its bedtime story.
"I said, 'No.' "
"Ah! But it will change to 'yes' by and by, I'm sure of that so I'll let you go to dream of him. The Campbells are rather proud of being descendants of Robert the Bruce, but they have common sense and love you dearly, as you'll see tomorrow."
"Perhaps," And with a good night kiss, poor Phebe went away, to lie awake till dawn.
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1
gracefully
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| ad.大大方方地；优美地 | |
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humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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lessened
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| 减少的，减弱的 | |
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dependence
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| n.依靠，依赖；信任，信赖；隶属 | |
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fervent
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| adj.热的，热烈的，热情的 | |
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vent
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| n.通风口，排放口；开衩；vt.表达，发泄 | |
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gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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secluded
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| adj.与世隔绝的；隐退的；偏僻的v.使隔开，使隐退( seclude的过去式和过去分词) | |
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inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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diverged
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| 分开( diverge的过去式和过去分词 )； 偏离； 分歧； 分道扬镳 | |
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tune
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| n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整 | |
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bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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asylum
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| n.避难所，庇护所，避难 | |
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orphan
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| n.孤儿；adj.无父母的 | |
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labored
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| adj.吃力的，谨慎的v.努力争取(for)( labor的过去式和过去分词 )；苦干；详细分析；（指引擎）缓慢而困难地运转 | |
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orphans
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| 孤儿( orphan的名词复数 ) | |
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vocal
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| adj.直言不讳的；嗓音的；n.[pl.]声乐节目 | |
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prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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aprons
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| 围裙( apron的名词复数 )； 停机坪，台口（舞台幕前的部份） | |
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afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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elegance
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| n.优雅；优美，雅致；精致，巧妙 | |
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blister
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| n.水疱；(油漆等的)气泡；v.(使)起泡 | |
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perverse
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| adj.刚愎的；坚持错误的，行为反常的 | |
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simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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ballad
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| n.歌谣，民谣，流行爱情歌曲 | |
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ballads
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| 民歌，民谣，特别指叙述故事的歌( ballad的名词复数 )； 讴 | |
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touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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engrossed
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| adj.全神贯注的 | |
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fathoms
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| 英寻( fathom的名词复数 ) | |
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eloquent
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| adj.雄辩的，口才流利的；明白显示出的 | |
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ardor
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| n.热情，狂热 | |
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persistence
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| n.坚持，持续，存留 | |
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steadfast
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| adj.固定的，不变的，不动摇的；忠实的；坚贞不移的 | |
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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isolation
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| n.隔离，孤立，分解，分离 | |
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41
deterred
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| v.阻止，制止( deter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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42
vein
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| n.血管，静脉；叶脉，纹理；情绪；vt.使成脉络 | |
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bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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ledgers
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| n.分类账( ledger的名词复数 ) | |
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fermenting
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| v.（使）发酵( ferment的现在分词 )；（使）激动；骚动；骚扰 | |
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bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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sob
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| n.空间轨道的轰炸机；呜咽，哭泣 | |
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deluded
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| v.欺骗，哄骗( delude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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snip
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| n.便宜货，廉价货，剪，剪断 | |
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50
efface
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| v.擦掉，抹去 | |
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51
glossy
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| adj.平滑的；有光泽的 | |
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52
lashes
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| n.鞭挞( lash的名词复数 )；鞭子；突然猛烈的一击；急速挥动v.鞭打( lash的第三人称单数 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
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53
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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54
ravaged
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| 毁坏( ravage的过去式和过去分词 )； 蹂躏； 劫掠； 抢劫 | |
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55
parlor
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| n.店铺，营业室；会客室，客厅 | |
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56
intoxication
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| n.wild excitement;drunkenness；poisoning | |
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57
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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58
curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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59
rapture
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| n.狂喜；全神贯注；着迷；v.使狂喜 | |
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60
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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61
gushes
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| n.涌出，迸发( gush的名词复数 )v.喷，涌( gush的第三人称单数 )；滔滔不绝地说话 | |
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62
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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63
tableau
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| n.画面，活人画（舞台上活人扮的静态画面） | |
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64
trumps
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| abbr.trumpets 喇叭；小号；喇叭形状的东西；喇叭筒v.（牌戏）出王牌赢（一牌或一墩）( trump的过去式 )；吹号公告，吹号庆祝；吹喇叭；捏造 | |
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65
dummy
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| n.假的东西；(哄婴儿的)橡皮奶头 | |
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66
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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67
tingled
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| v.有刺痛感( tingle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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68
pervade
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| v.弥漫，遍及，充满，渗透，漫延 | |
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pretext
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| n.借口，托词 | |
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70
recess
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| n.短期休息，壁凹（墙上装架子，柜子等凹处） | |
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71
disconsolately
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| adv.悲伤地，愁闷地；哭丧着脸 | |
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72
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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73
impartial
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| adj.(in,to)公正的，无偏见的 | |
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74
reminder
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| n.提醒物，纪念品；暗示，提示 | |
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subscriptions
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| n.（报刊等的）订阅费( subscription的名词复数 )；捐款；（俱乐部的）会员费；捐助 | |
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76
rustled
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| v.发出沙沙的声音( rustle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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ushers
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| n.引座员( usher的名词复数 )；招待员；门房；助理教员v.引，领，陪同( usher的第三人称单数 ) | |
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78
baton
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| n.乐队用指挥杖 | |
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shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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80
patriotism
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| n.爱国精神，爱国心，爱国主义 | |
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81
picturesque
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| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
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tenor
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| n.男高音（歌手），次中音（乐器），要旨，大意 | |
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83
gasp
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| n.喘息，气喘；v.喘息；气吁吁他说 | |
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84
thumping
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| adj.重大的，巨大的；重击的；尺码大的；极好的adv.极端地；非常地v.重击(thump的现在分词)；狠打；怦怦地跳；全力支持 | |
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85
ornament
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| v.装饰，美化；n.装饰，装饰物 | |
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fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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gilt
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| adj.镀金的；n.金边证券 | |
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88
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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courteously
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| adv.有礼貌地，亲切地 | |
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gorgon
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| n.丑陋女人，蛇发女怪 | |
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91
prophesied
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| v.预告，预言( prophesy的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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complimentary
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| adj.赠送的，免费的，赞美的，恭维的 | |
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affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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overture
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| n.前奏曲、序曲，提议，提案，初步交涉 | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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97
bass
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| n.男低音(歌手)；低音乐器；低音大提琴 | |
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growled
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| v.（动物）发狺狺声， （雷）作隆隆声( growl的过去式和过去分词 )；低声咆哮着说 | |
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melodiously
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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101
soothed
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| v.安慰( soothe的过去式和过去分词 )；抚慰；使舒服；减轻痛苦 | |
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103
shrug
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| v.耸肩(表示怀疑、冷漠、不知等) | |
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104
pricked
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| 刺，扎，戳( prick的过去式和过去分词 )； 刺伤； 刺痛； 使剧痛 | |
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105
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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106
clarion
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| n.尖音小号声；尖音小号 | |
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107
exulting
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| vi. 欢欣鼓舞，狂喜 | |
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108
atone
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| v.赎罪，补偿 | |
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109
steadfastly
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| adv.踏实地，不变地；岿然；坚定不渝 | |
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110
triumphant
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| adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的 | |
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promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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auld
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| adj.老的，旧的 | |
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robin
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| n.知更鸟，红襟鸟 | |
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chirping
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| 鸟叫，虫鸣( chirp的现在分词 ) | |
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awakening
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| n.觉醒，醒悟 adj.觉醒中的；唤醒的 | |
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rippling
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| 起涟漪的，潺潺流水般声音的 | |
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hearth
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| n.壁炉炉床，壁炉地面 | |
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gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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blithe
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| adj.快乐的，无忧无虑的 | |
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slumbering
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| 微睡，睡眠（slumber的现在分词形式） | |
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persistently
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| ad.坚持地；固执地 | |
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cane
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| n.手杖，细长的茎，藤条；v.以杖击，以藤编制的 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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meekly
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| adv.温顺地，逆来顺受地 | |
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hush
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| int.嘘，别出声；n.沉默，静寂；v.使安静 | |
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irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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mite
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| n.极小的东西；小铜币 | |
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bouquet
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| n.花束，酒香 | |
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bribes
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| n.贿赂( bribe的名词复数 )；向（某人）行贿，贿赂v.贿赂( bribe的第三人称单数 )；向（某人）行贿，贿赂 | |
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trotting
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| 小跑，急走( trot的现在分词 )； 匆匆忙忙地走 | |
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oblivious
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| adj.易忘的，遗忘的，忘却的，健忘的 | |
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catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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prophesying
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| v.预告，预言( prophesy的现在分词 ) | |
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momentous
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| adj.重要的，重大的 | |
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WHIMS
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| 虚妄，禅病 | |
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rheumatism
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| n.风湿病 | |
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hysterical
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| adj.情绪异常激动的，歇斯底里般的 | |
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soothing
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| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
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suspense
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| n.（对可能发生的事）紧张感，担心，挂虑 | |
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underneath
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| adj.在...下面，在...底下；adv.在下面 | |
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chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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poking
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| n. 刺，戳，袋 vt. 拨开，刺，戳 vi. 戳，刺，捅，搜索，伸出，行动散慢 | |
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unnaturally
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| adv.违反习俗地；不自然地；勉强地；不近人情地 | |
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quenched
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| 解（渴）( quench的过去式和过去分词 )； 终止（某事物）； （用水）扑灭（火焰等）； 将（热物体）放入水中急速冷却 | |
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briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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traitorous
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| adj. 叛国的, 不忠的, 背信弃义的 | |
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passionate
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的 | |
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tragical
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| adj. 悲剧的, 悲剧性的 | |
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caressing
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| 爱抚的，表现爱情的，亲切的 | |
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feverish
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| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
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croaks
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| v.呱呱地叫( croak的第三人称单数 )；用粗的声音说 | |
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helping
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| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
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sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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confession
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| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
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jot
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| n.少量；vi.草草记下；vt.匆匆写下 | |
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distressed
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| 痛苦的 | |
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miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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clenched
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| v.紧握，抓紧，咬紧( clench的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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vowed
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| 起誓，发誓（vow的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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caressed
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| 爱抚或抚摸…( caress的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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resolutely
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| adj.坚决地，果断地 | |
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defrauded
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| v.诈取，骗取( defraud的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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