He smiled down at the child; and, if you will believe it, this youthful creature, not more than ten years old, hesitated, and then came up the steps after him.
“What is it, dear?” asked Mildred.
“If he’s going away soon,” said the little girl, “shan’t I wait and let him go under my umbrella?”
Dacier kissed her.
“I’m very much obliged,” he told her; “but I’ve come for a music lesson, so you’d better not wait.”
They were both silent while the child went down the path.
“Really,” said Mildred, “I am—”
“Of course it’s a subterfuge,” said he; “but even at that, why shouldn’t I have a music lesson? It would be such a good way for us to get acquainted.”
“I see no reason for our becoming acquainted,” said Mildred.
Dacier looked into the distance.