"It seemed such a lovely ending to a lovely Christmas," said Elsie wistfully. The girl was absolutely carried away by the excitement of it. It didn't even occur to her--until she was in bed that night--what the "ending" of the lovely Christmas was to have been--the ending that alone was to justify her enjoyment of the holiday and of the days since she had weighed her action in the balance and found it wanting. "Oh, Cousin Julia, really when you understand, it's simply wonderful," she went on eagerly. "I'm the only one picked out thus far, and you know most of the others are related to the profession, too. And even if that thing is so old, I can't help liking it. Most of the things _are_ rather awful, I must confess." "But the first year--the first six months! I never dreamed of such a thing!" Miss Pritchard cried. "Neither did I, darling dear; that's what makes me so wild with joy," said the girl softly. Touched and almost remorseful, Miss Pritchard kissed her fondly. But she couldn't restrain a sigh. "Surely it doesn't mean--going on the stage?" she inquired. "Oh, no indeed, Cousin Julia, at least not right off. Only--well, just being ready if anything should happen, you know." Then suddenly at the thought of that wonderful eventuality, the girl's dimples came out and her eyes so shone that Miss Pritchard felt as if she should burst into tears. It seemed as if she couldn't bear it! Again she lamented inwardly. Why should the child have had that crazy desire for the stage? Why shouldn't it have been a passion for music--for opera, indeed? Nearly every one who had heard Elsie sing on Christmas Eve had spoken to Miss Pritchard of the girl's wonderful voice, and the question of her cultivating that instead of working for the stage; and Miss Pritchard had yesterday decided to make a fresh plea to Elsie to that effect. What joy would it not be to share the child's enthusiasm, had it been a matter of music! However, it would be worse than futile to drag in any such thing at this moment, she saw clearly. Carried away by her delight, Elsie would have no ears and no heart for anything else. Miss Pritchard told herself she must wait for the infatuation to cool--and when that might be, she couldn't in the least foresee. Would it ever happen in truth?