"Fond of it! I adore it, and sometimes the musician."
"A double tax on your powers of adoring," said Vaura, gaily, as Sir Dennis placed the song before her, but though her notes were clear and sweet as a bird's, her heart was sad at the thought of the parting between Lionel and herself, and just now she had no sympathy with the free-from-care spirit of the song "Gaily Thro' Life I Wander."
During the song Capt. Trevalyon was summoned from the room. It is a telegram, and runs thus:
"THE LANGHAM HOTEL,
"LONDON, England, Dec. 24th.
"My father cannot live, and wishes to see you. Physician says come at once." JUDITH TREVALYON.
"Capt. Trevalyon,
"Villa Iberia, Rome, Italy."
"Sims, this telegram calls me to England. You say there is an express at midnight. It is now 10.30, go at once and take some necessary refreshment; pack my luggage, leaving out my travelling gear; get your own box, and have them conveyed to the depot, express them through to London, to the Langham, and be ready to leave with me by the midnight train; and don't forget Mars."
"Yes sir; and what time, sir, shall I order the trap to take you to the depot, sir?"
"At 11.30 sharp, Sims."
"Yes, sir."