"Thank you," Janetta said unsteadily.
"Will you let me ask whether there is anything in which I can help you just now."
"Oh, no, nothing, thank you." She had brushed away the involuntary tear, and smiled bravely as she replied. "I did not think that I should meet anybody: it was simply that I was disappointed about—about—some lessons that I hoped to get. Quite a little disappointment, you see."
"Was it a little disappointment? Do you want to give lessons—singing lessons?"
"Yes; but nobody will have me to teach them," said Janetta, laughing nervously.
Sir Philip looked back at the house which they had just passed. "That is Miss Morrison's school: you came out of it, did you not? Does she not need your help?"
"I do not suit her."
"Why? Did she try your voice?"
"Oh, no. It was for other reasons. She was prejudiced against me," said Janetta, with a little gulp.
"Prejudiced? But why?—may I ask?"