As they rode homeward Helen told Randy much of Madam Valena's life as her mother had known her, of her close application to study, and of her success, and when at home they found Aunt Marcia seated before the fire place, placidly watching the dancing flames, Randy rushed in, and sitting upon a low hassock, she related all the wonders of the afternoon, ending with, "And oh, I wish that you had been there to see and hear it all." "Why, Randy, child!" exclaimed Aunt Marcia laughing, "I thought it rather cold this afternoon, and stayed cosily at home instead of accompanying you and Helen, but now your eyes shine like stars, and I begin to believe that I missed much by not attending the concert. I knew the program was a fine one, and Madam Valena is truly a most charming person." "Indeed she is," assented Randy, "and she looked so queenly, I never thought she would really talk to me, but oh, do you know that she was once a little country girl? When I looked at her I could not imagine it." "I know a little country maid, who no one would suppose had not spent all her life in the city," said Aunt Marcia, with a smile, "only that she enjoys every pleasure with a keen delight unknown to the girl who feels that she has seen all that there is to be seen many, many times." "I shall never feel that way," said Randy, "how could I tire of the sweet music, or of watching the crowd in the city streets? I was never tired of listening to the birds at home and I'm sure," she added with a laugh, "I even enjoyed watching the people coming into our little church. There is always something new everywhere; and I am looking for it." "That is a part of the secret of your happiness, Randy," said Aunt Marcia, "you intend to be delighted and usually succeed." "Why, I am still holding the flowers which Madam Valena gave me," said Randy, "I must place them in water," and she hastened to find a suitable vase in which to arrange them. They formed a brilliant bit of color in the centre of the table when dinner was served, and caused Randy to talk once more of the concert. "It was all so charming that I suppose I stared; at least Polly Lawrence said that I did." "I saw Polly with you just as we were leaving the hall," said Helen, "what did you say that she said?" "She said, 'Why Randy Weston, you are staring at everybody and everything as if you'd never attended a concert before!'" "How singularly rude," said Aunt Marcia, little pleased that Randy should be thus spoken to. "And what did you say to that, Randy," asked Helen, wondering if Polly's speech had cut deeply. With a frank smile Randy answered,--"I said, 'Well this _is_ my first concert. Possibly _you_ would be surprised if you had never before experienced such a pleasure.'"