MARY. 81

they were great friends, for all that, and played so peaceably
together that their mammas were glad to have them play-
mates.

‘Now, you will be sure to come at ten o’clock to-morrow,”
said Mary, as she parted with Cecil. “I know just what to do;
and, Cecil, your song was lovely. I do hope I shall do mine as.
well,” she said, clasping her hands with as much fervor as if
she expected an audience of a hundred persons.

“You are sure to do well,” returned Cecil, nodding a
smiling good-by. .

Mary was all excitement .the next morning and could
hardly stand still long enough for her mamma to tie her sash,.
but when the all-important moment arrived, she marched into.
the room, to her mother’s music, with all the solemnity of one
heading a procession of fifty girls. She took her place in a
little chair by the side of her mother’s desk, while Cecil sat
in state in a large arm-chair on the other side of the room.

When Mrs. Warner had finished playing, she announced
that there would be a recitation by Miss Mary Warner; and
with a trembling voice Mary began:

“There is no dew left on the daisies and clover,”

but in a few moments her courage came back to her, and she:
finished it quite distinctly.
Cecil applauded loudly, and then Mrs. Warner played

again; after came Mary’s little song, which she sang very
.