I am about to read an extract from a book whose success has given me the most unqualified surprise and delight, knowing as I do that a reading by an author from her own work always increases the interest even though she may not be an able expositor by word of mouth of what she has written." Then Margaret read.

She had chosen a short chapter which was in itself almost a complete little story.

She read exceedingly well and without faltering.

People listened with ever-growing amazement.

Then Mrs.Jack Evarts whispered so audibly to a man at her side that she broke in upon Margaret's clear recitative.