CHAPTER VIII.

“Salome, where did you learn to sing? I was astonished this morning when I heard you.”

“I have not yet learned,—I have only begun to practise.”

“But, my child, I had no idea you owned such a voice. Where have you kept it concealed so long?”

“I was not aware that I had it until a month ago, when it accidentally discovered itself.”

“It is very powerful.”

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“Yes, and very rough; but care and study will smooth and polish it. Miss Jane, please keep your eye on Stanley until I come home; for, although I left him with his slate and arithmetic, it is by no means certain that they will not part company the moment I am out of sight.”

“Where are you going?”

“To carry back some work which would have been returned yesterday had not the weather been so inclement.”