And Alex Tobin answered: “Does it have to depend upon your uncle’s permission? You have money in your own right, have you not?”
And then Veronica noticed that Nyoda was behind her and turned and spoke and Alex Tobin took his departure down the cross street. Nyoda looked after him thoughtfully. She was not fond of Alex Tobin, although she knew him only very slightly. He was a young Pole, and quite handsome, but there was something about his eyes that made a keen observer dislike him.
“I was at the rehearsal of the Symphony Orchestra this afternoon,” said Veronica, with more animation than Nyoda had ever seen her display. “You know uncle plays this year and he lets me go along and listen, that I may benefit from the director’s criticisms.”
“Does Mr. Tobin play in the Symphony Orchestra, too?” asked Nyoda idly.
“Yes,” answered Veronica. “He’s a wonderful player; and so kind to me. He takes such an interest in my playing. He says I will play at concerts in time.”
“I don’t doubt it in the least,” said Nyoda heartily. “But you mustn’t study music to the exclusion of everything else. You are growing quite thin. You must stay out of doors more and romp with the girls. You are missing all the coasting and skating. ‘Hold on to Health,’ you know.”
“Yes, of course,” murmured Veronica absently, and fell silent, as if she were day-dreaming.
“The Midgets are going to give Punch and Judy dolls to the carol singers as souvenirs of the occasion,” announced Sahwah, as the Winnebagos assembled before starting out for the singing on Christmas Eve. “Won’t they be jolly to put up in our rooms?”
“And did you know that Jeffry, the famous bird imitator, was going to be there and give some of his wonderful bird calls?” asked Gladys. “Migwan, you’re in luck, being home this week to take in all the good things.”
“The frolic afterwards is going to be as much fun as the carol singing,” said Hinpoha. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything. And the group that brings in the most money is going to get a prize,” she added, “and have its picture in the Sunday paper. Oh, I do hope we’ll get the most! We must sing our very best.”
“Oh, what a glorious night!” they all cried, as they passed out into the sparkling snow.