She was presented to the strangers as Mrs. Hazleton.
Dinner was shortly after announced, and after dinner, when the gentlemen had returned to the drawing-room, Mrs. Brunswick asked Mrs. Hazleton to sing. She did not say "Mrs. Hazleton," but just "Margaret."
Without making any excuses she went to the piano and asked Mrs. Brunswick if she desired any particular piece. She answered:
"No, my dear, sing anything you feel like singing; only have it old-fashioned and sweet, rather than scientific."
Strangely enough, she struck a few wailing chords on the instrument, and then with a pathos and tenderness most touching, sang the old song beginning:
"Could you come back to me, Douglas."
The effect was great on all the company, but to Sedgwick and his bride it was intensely thrilling.
The eyes of Grace filled with tears, and Sedgwick, who was near, unobserved by the rest, took and pressed her hand.
The company separated early, with an agreement for the ensuing day, which was to fill it with rides, luncheon, a matinee for the ladies, and dinner afterward.
So soon as Sedgwick and his bride were by themselves, Grace said: "Love, did you ever hear anything half as sweet as that singing?"