Lizzette looked appealingly from the white scorn of Elsie’s face to the surprise of Margaret’s; but before either had time to speak Herbert said eagerly and with flushing cheek as he glanced at Elsie: “I can explain my presence here as an involuntary listener in this way. Lizzette, as you probably know, has been more than half-mother to me. Taking advantage of a day when I felt sure of finding her at home, I came out for a little visit. As I neared the door I heard such charming music I hesitated to interrupt it, and so I crept like a culprit to the back door and listened—very reprehensibly, I know—to a discussion which was so full of strength and interest to me I had not the courage to interrupt it. Lizzette, can you not help me to be forgiven?”
“Helas,” said Lizzette. “I am ze grand culprit. I take ze pride in vat you list.”
“Lizzette’s friends are of course welcome to us, since we are trespassers upon her kindness,” said Margaret brightly. “And as we have no state secrets, I think we can forgive an unintentional listening. This is my sister, Elsie Murchison, whom perhaps you know serves your sister, Mrs. Mason, as cook.”
Margaret’s countenance hardened a trifle as she looked at the young man’s handsome face and again at Elsie’s, coldly repellant, and she laid a stress upon the last word that brought an involuntary smile to Elsie’s lips. The nod which she bestowed upon Herbert was, however, so ostentatiously distant that the pleasant augury of the smile was speedily dispelled.
“An’ zis ees my good lad Gilbeart Murchison, et zis mon garçon Antoine,” said Lizzette hastily, in an endeavor to smooth over the awkwardness of the situation.
Herbert turned quickly to the boys, and taking the proffered seat eagerly clasped Antoine’s hand in his own. “You’ve changed a good deal, my boy, since I saw you, and you are growing to be quite a musician. Your genius must be cultivated.”
“It is going to be,” answered Antoine, “thanks to my Elsie.”
Herbert glanced up as Antoine spoke, in time to see Elsie slip into the kitchen.
“Eet ees ze dinner hour,” said Lizzette, looking after her. “I sall leave you, Herbeart, in ze good care of Miss Margaret and ze boys.”
“I shall be well cared for, no doubt. I always have been in your house.”