“But,” said Delia, rather indignantly, “she ought to come and see you often.”
“I shall not complain if she doesn’t, and I shall not be surprised. There was a matter, years ago, in which I differed from Mrs Forrest, and I have never been to Waverley since: we are quite friendly when we meet, but there can never be really cordial relations between us.”
“If I were Anna,” began Delia, impetuously—
“But you are not Anna,” interrupted Mr Goodwin, with a smile; “you are Delia Hunt, and you are made of different materials. If I am not mistaken, Anna is affectionate and yielding, and will be influenced by those she is with. And then she’s very young, you see; she could not oppose her aunt and uncle, and I’m sure I do not wish it. I shall not interfere with her life at Waverley: the Forrests are kind people, and I feel sure she will be very happy there. She will do very well without me.”
He turned towards his pupil and added, rather wistfully, “I should like you to be friends with her, though, Delia; it would be a comfort to me.”
“Indeed, I will try my best, Professor,” she exclaimed, earnestly. Her jealousy of Anna seemed very small and mean, and she felt anxious to atone for it.
“That’s well,” said Mr Goodwin, with a contented air. “I know you will do what you promise; and now it’s my turn to play the sonata, and yours to listen.”
As the first plaintive notes of the violin filled the little room, Delia threw herself into the window-seat, leaned back her head, and gave herself up to enjoyment.
The Professor’s playing meant many things to her. It meant a journey into another country where all good and noble things were possible; where vexations and petty cares could not enter, nor anything that thwarted and baffled. It meant a sure refuge for a while from the small details of her life in Dornton, which she sometimes found so wearisome. The warning tones of the church clock checked her flight through these happy regions, and brought her down to earth just as the Professor’s last note died away.
“Oh, how late it is?” she exclaimed, as she started up and put on her hat. “Good-bye, Professor. Oh, if I could only make it speak like that!”