`` But yet -- I must , or Matthew will be disappointed . He said they would encore me . '' `` Then do n't disappoint Matthew , '' said the pink lady , laughing . Smiling , blushing , limpid eyed , Anne tripped back and gave a quaint , funny little selection that captivated her audience still further . The rest of the evening was quite a little triumph for her . When the concert was over , the stout , pink lady -- who was the wife of an American millionaire -- took her under her wing , and introduced her to everybody ; and everybody was very nice to her . The professional elocutionist , Mrs. Evans , came and chatted with her , telling her that she had a charming voice and `` interpreted '' her selections beautifully . Even the white-lace girl paid her a languid little compliment . They had supper in the big , beautifully decorated dining room ; Diana and Jane were invited to partake of this , also , since they had come with Anne , but Billy was nowhere to be found , having decamped in mortal fear of some such invitation . He was in waiting for them , with the team , however , when it was all over , and the three girls came merrily out into the calm , white moonshine radiance . Anne breathed deeply , and looked into the clear sky beyond the dark boughs of the firs . Oh , it was good to be out again in the purity and silence of the night ! How great and still and wonderful everything was , with the murmur of the sea sounding through it and the darkling cliffs beyond like grim giants guarding enchanted coasts . `` Has n't it been a perfectly splendid time ? '' sighed Jane , as they drove away . `` I just wish I was a rich American and could spend my summer at a hotel and wear jewels and low-necked dresses and have ice cream and chicken salad every blessed day . I 'm sure it would be ever so much more fun than teaching school . Anne , your recitation was simply great , although I thought at first you were never going to begin . I think it was better than Mrs. Evans 's . '' `` Oh , no , do n't say things like that , Jane , '' said Anne quickly , `` because it sounds silly .
It could n't be better than Mrs. Evans 's , you know , XXXXX she is a professional , and I 'm only a schoolgirl , with a little knack of reciting .
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