"If you only were going! I should take twice the pleasure. Helen Grant, I do believe I have fallen in love with you."
"I am very glad," returned Helen with shining eyes.
To think how she had run around the woods in Hope and never thought of the wonderful beauty God had scattered so lavishly everywhere. This delight was knowledge. Jenny never felt it as she walked in and out to the factory. And Aunt Jane called it nonsense!
Madame Meran had some needlework and sat by her counting time, fingers and thumbs. Helen was so in earnest she could not help being interested in her.
"Oh, do you suppose I ever shall learn?" she inquired with a discouraged sigh. "And I love music so."
"That is my hope about you. I have seen worse beginnings. You will never make a wonderful pianist, but you have a really fine voice, and it is nice to be able to play your own accompaniments."
"And someone I care for very much desires me to learn, someone to whom I owe a debt of gratitude. So I shall do my best."
Then she went on steadily and did master two or three points.
"Now you may go in the study and practice, as I have to take Miss Craven in hand, and I can trust you."
"Oh, thank you!" cried Helen delightedly. She was just as honest as if Madame's eyes were on her. She gave the full hour although her wrist ached, and her thumb seemed to lose its agility. But she had made a slight advance, she could see that. And there were ten months to be given to study.