For a moment Winona turned almost dizzy with fright.

The big room seemed full of eyes, every one of which would be watching her when it came to her turn.

She looked round with the feeling of a martyr in the arena, and for a moment met the calm steady gaze of Miss Beach.

Winona said afterwards that Aunt Harriet must have mesmerized her, for in that second of recognition she felt a sudden rush of courage.

The thrill of the contest took possession of her, and every nerve and muscle, every atom of her brain, was alert to do its best.