But I will say this much: I did enjoy yours." "Thank you," said Lucy again.

Her look of mortal terror deepened.
From being aggressively nervous, she looked on the verge of a collapse.
Mrs.Ayres rose, went to Lucy's closet, and returned with a bottle of wine and a glass.

"Here," she said, as she poured out the red liquor.
"You had better drink this, dear.

You know Dr.Wallace said you must drink port wine, and you are all tired out with your singing this morning." Lucy seized the glass and drank the wine eagerly.
"It must be a nervous strain," said Rose, "to stand up there, before such a crowded audience as there was this morning, and sing." "Yes, it is," agreed Mrs.Ayres, in a harsh voice, "and especially when anybody isn't used to it.

Lucy is not at all strong." "I hope it won't be too much for her," said Rose; "but it is such a delight to listen to her after--" "Oh, I am tired and sick of hearing Miss Hart's name!" cried Lucy, unpleasantly.
"Lucy!" said Mrs.Ayres.
"Well, I am," said Lucy, defiantly.