"But we have come all the way from Hillcrest to see her," and Rod
lilted his blue eyes appealingly to the man's face. "It's very
important, sir."

"From Hillcrest, did you say," and light now began to dawn upon Mr.
Markham's mind. "And how is Miss Arabella?" he asked, while an amused
twinkle shone in his eyes.

"Oh, she's well, I guess. But may we see Miss Royanna? It's so
important, and we won't tire her very much."

John Markham remained silent for a while. He did not wish to turn
these little lads away now, but he wondered whether the singer would
mind if he should take them in. He had a great respect for Miss
Royanna, for it was seldom that he was able to obtain such a notable
person, and from the time that she had accepted his invitation to come
he had been greatly puzzled. Why should she have been so willing to
come to St. John, when cities four to five times the size were
clamouring for her? But she had written, accepting at once, and had
seemed really glad to come.

"Wait here," he at last ordered, as he turned on his heel, "and I shall
see what I can do with Miss Royanna."




CHAPTER XVIII