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We laughed together, and I was utterly content

The day of the ball arrived clear and crisp Fires were lit in all the rooms, and the pleasant scents of pine and herbs per at the botto room after breakfast and looked out, and I could see Mr Belden walking with the gentle the preparations

Fro from around the west end of the house; Robbie rode at their front and ht of hihter that I could not hear I turned away from the

I was not yet permitted to help with any work Mrs Belden had said that I was to rest frequently and not exert myself The house was relatively quiet as I went down into the drawing room I sat at the pianoforte and played softly for"My love is like a red, red rose," and when I was finished felt happier I rose froo toward the stairs; then I stopped short Robbie lounged in the drawing roo an to clap, and the other boys did too I felt my skin flame from bosom to forehead

"Bravo! Bravo!" he exclaimed, and the others chimed in

"Oh, stop, do," I said "As if you all have never heard row tired of hearing you!" said Alexander "Your singing is as sweet as a bird's"

"Nay, 'Xander," drawled Robbie, "I co to that of a sparrow The loudness of its song is quite astounding, when the size of the bird is considered!"

The boys all laughed As usual, I could think of no clever retort I walked out of the room toward the stairs; Robbie stepped back into the hallway, and the other boys stood aside also, bowing as I walked by I held er and as I reached the top of the stairsrooin a card game

I heard Mrs Randall's voice "Jessie" I quickly dabbed at my eyes