“There came to the beach, a poor exile of Erin;
The dew on his thin robe was heavy and chill;
For his country he sighed, when at twilight repairing
To wander alone by the wind-beaten hill.”
The sound of her own voice had given her confidence, and she continued with fuller notes:
“Where is my cabin door, fast by the wild wood?
Sisters and Sire——”
Here an hysterical titter caused her to pause. Miss Tripp held her handkerchief to her mouth, and Lady Towton was convulsed. The girl stood staring for a whole moment; then, with a gesture of unexpected passion, dashed down the unhappy concertina, saying, “Sing for yerselves!” and escaped from the room.
When the commotion, consternation, and amusement, had somewhat subsided, Lady Towton said, in a choked voice—
“I really could not help myself! The cabin door was so appropriate, it was too much for me. I’m really awfully sorry.”