He had refused to go to the Hornseys with Val, but he was quite ready to face the elements in order to take Julia home!
Critical eyes marked the unusual haste of the guest's hat-pinning and jacket-donning.
"Mrs. Gano always sends for Val," Julia said to Ethan, accounting for the origin of the repulsive custom.
He held her jacket for her.
"You haven't told me yet," he said, "how you learned to play like this?"
Julia laughed, too much pleased to venture on words.
"She has taken lessons," said Val, "ever since she was seven."
"You were sent away to study?"
"No," said Julia, tying her scarf with an effective air.
"But she's had private lessons," Val explained, "besides the music classes at the Sem."