The intensity of the excitement was proving too much for Madam Nalasky, and Jane ardently wished she had kept the hapless _Bugle_ to herself. But it was too late now. Besides this, in offering the flattering tribute of Helen’s ability to the singer, Jane had a sense of making the artist acquainted with Helen, hoping the light knowledge might some day be of value in her musical career. But now, Madam was almost overcome. Her attendants were quieting her with smelling draughts from a tiny bottle. Jane glanced at the outer door hopefully. If only Mrs. Weatherbee would appear! What if this lady was erratic, and her suddenly taken a spell? Jane remembered geniuses are apt to be very temperamental. “I am so sorry,” she said quietly to a maid. “I hope I have not upset Madam?” “Oh, no, my dear. It is not the upset, but the joy, the hope. How shall I know! Can you not tell me what your friend looks like?” This from Madam. Again the singer was on her feet confronting Jane. For a moment Jane fixed her eyes on the beautiful face, then she exclaimed: “Oh, Madam! I think she looks like you.” With a great swirling embrace Jane was actually swept into the singer’s arms. Strong emotion, always a characteristic of such temperaments, was now completely swaying the artist. Jane, abashed and disconcerted, sensed the depth of the emotion, and guessed the identity of Helka Podonsky was very near to the heart of this handsome woman. At that moment the appearance of Mrs. Weatherbee at the door brought welcome relief from the confusion and excitement. Jane quickly made known Mrs. Weatherbee’s connection with the jubilee concert, and Mme. Nalasky turned all her attention now to questioning the directress. After a very storm of inquiries concerning Helen and her whereabouts before coming to Wellington had been heaped upon the directress, Madam finally begged leave to go to the college at once. “But!” protested her secretary, “Madam! Your most important concert this evening! It is a benefit, you remember, Madam! and they especially wish you to sing.” “Oh, Marie, you do not know, and I cannot at present say how very much this means to me. This is my own grand benefit, and I, Nalasky, who have given always gladly to others, now claim something for myself. My understudy must take the concert. I could not close my eyes again, until I have seen this wonder child. Ah, my dear lady,” to Mrs. Weatherbee, who was too surprised for utterance at the turn affairs had taken. “I feel this young girl, Miss Allen, has been an agent of kind Providence. She has protected this child from a wild and treacherous world,” and again Madam took refuge in her pillows, sobbing and smiling alternately.