"What if he is? Great Cæsar's ghost! Not that I blame him for looking at you. Specially lately, you—"
"Hush! and don't talk nonsense."
But cousin Ethan had lifted his head impatiently, and was making her a little sign for silence.
She shrank together as if at a blow. Ethan went back to the piano when Julia finished, and bent over her, speaking thanks and praises. He was asking for something of Brahms'. Julia began again. This was another success. Cousin Ethan was really impressed; no doubt about it. Emmie went over to the piano in the midst of the general conversation, and said in her clear treble:
"Me and Val can sing 'Maid of Athens.'"
He seemed not to hear; he was talking so earnestly to Julia. She heard plainly enough. She was only pretending to be oblivious. But Emmie was not to be done out of a share of the festivity.
"Cousin Ethan, do you know 'Maid of Athens?'"
"Eh? What? 'Maid of Athens?' Yes."
"So do Val and me. Let's sing it."
"Very well. Will you accompany?" he asked Julia.