It was bad and foolish of me, and I was punished by the first dreadful failure.
I was so frightened, Rose! My breath was all gone, my eyes so dizzy I could hardly see, and that great crowd of faces seemed so near, I dared not look.

If it had not been for the clock I never should have gotten through, and when I did, not knowing in the least how I'd sung, one look at your distressed face told me I'd failed." "But I smiled, Phebe indeed I did as sweetly as I could, for I was sure it was only fright," protested Rose eagerly.
"So you did, but the smile was full of pity, not of pride, as I wanted it to be, and I rushed into a dark place behind the organ, feeling ready to kill myself.

How angry and miserable I was! I set my teeth, clenched my hands, and vowed that I would do well next time or never sing another note.

I was quite desperate when my turn came, and felt as if I could do almost anything, for I remembered that he was there.

I'm not sure how it was, but it seemed as if I was all voice, for I let myself go, trying to forget everything except that two people must not be disappointed, though I died when the song was done." "Oh, Phebe, it was splendid! I nearly cried, I was so proud and glad to see you do yourself justice at last." "And he ?" whispered Phebe, with her face half hidden on the arm of the chair.
"Said not a word, but I saw his lips tremble and his eyes shine and I knew he was the happiest creature there, because I was sure he did think you fit to be his wife and did mean to speak very soon." Phebe made no answer for a moment, seeming to forget the small success in the greater one which followed and to comfort her sore heart with the knowledge that Rose was right.
"He sent the flowers, he came for me, and, on the way home, showed me how wrong I had been to doubt him for an hour.