Suddenly she caught sight of Margaret, and she and the song stopped abruptly.
It was almost impossible for her to pass so close without saying something in the way of greeting, and so she made a little bow, and said rather shyly:
"I'm afraid I startled you. I didn't know anybody was near, or I shouldn't have made such a noise."
"I only heard you singing," said Margaret.
The words and the gentle tone, together with the beautiful face with its sad expression, seemed to fascinate the girl, and she drew nearer, saying timidly:
"But I was making a tremendous noise! You are painting?"
"Yes," answered Margaret, with a sigh, "I am trying to do so."
"What a lovely spot you have chosen!" said the girl looking round. "May I see what you have done? I am so fond of art myself, but"—and she made a little grimace—"I am a shocking stick!"
Then she colored furiously and laughed with pretty embarrassment.
"That's slang, I know. I beg your pardon! But I learn it from Ferdy! There—how stupid of me! Of course, you don't know who Ferdy is: he is my brother."