"Yes, it is best for me; but when I come to my lessons and hear the delightful keys, I feel as if music had come out of heaven to talk with me."
"Ah, Miss Benette!" said Davy, with a kind of exultation, "what will it be when you are singing in the heart of a grand orchestra?"
"I never heard one, sir, you know; but I should think that it was like going into heaven after music and remaining there."
"But were you not at the festival, Miss Benette?"
"Oh, no!"
"How very odd, when I was there!"
Davy looked suddenly at her; but though his quick, bright glance might have startled away her answer, that came as calmly as all her words,—like a breeze awakening from the south.
"I did not desire to go; Mr. Davy had the kindness to propose I should, but I knew it would make me idle afterwards, and I cannot afford to waste my time. I am growing old."
"Now, Miss Benette, there is our servant or your nurse," for I heard a knock. "Will you let me come to-morrow?"
"Just for half an hour only, because I want to sit with Laura."