Mavis' part of the programme did not come till nearly the conclusion of the concert, and when the Vicar took her by the hand and led her on the platform, she felt it would be quite impossible for her to keep her promise, and she was inclined to run away and hide. But, a moment later, she had overcome the impulse which had prompted her to go from her word, and looking above the many faces which were smiling up at her encouragingly, she summoned up her courage and commenced to sing. Her voice was rather tremulous at first, but it gained strength as it proceeded. She forgot the people watching her, forgot her fear of breaking down, and thought only of what she was singing, of "pastures green" and the Good Shepherd leading His flock by streams "which run most pleasantly." As her sweet, clear voice ceased, there was a murmur of gratification from the audience, which swelled into rounds of applause. "Sing us something else, do, missie!" she heard some one shout from the back of the schoolroom, and, looking in the direction from whence the voice came, she recognized Richard Butt. The rest took up the cry, and from all sides came the demand, "Sing us something else!" "What else do you know, Mavis?" the Vicar hastened to inquire, when he saw she was willing to comply with the general request. "I know some carols," she replied. "Shall I sing one of those?" "Yes, do," he said, as he moved away. She was not feeling in the least nervous now. Her heart throbbed with happiness, as she realized her capability of giving pleasure, and a brilliant colour glowed in her cheeks, whilst her hazel eyes shone brightly. The carol she sang was one she had heard in the little mission church in London during the previous Christmas season, but it was new to her audience. "'When shepherds were abiding, In Beth'lem's lonely field, They heard the joyful tidings By the heavenly host revealed. At first they were affrighted, But they soon forgot their fear, While the angel sang of Christmas, And proclaimed a bright new year.'" That was the first verse; several others followed, concluding thus— "'When he who came to Bethlehem Returns to earth again, Ten thousand thousand angels Shall follow in His train: Then saints shall sing in triumph, Till heaven and earth shall hear; The year of His redeemed shall come, A bright immortal year.'" The carol was as successful in pleasing as had been the psalm, and Mavis stepped from the platform and returned to her seat with the Mill House party, hearing commendatory remarks on all sides. "Oh, Mavis," whispered Rose, "you sang beautifully, you did indeed!" And she expressed the opinion of the whole room, including Mrs. John, who, for the first time, acknowledged that really Mavis owned a very sympathetic voice, and that the words she had sung had seemed to have come from her heart. CHAPTER X SICKNESS AT THE MILL HOUSE