“I think not,” said the lady, smiling in a friendly way which won Katherine’s heart upon the spot. “I have been behind you all the way, and this did not fall until just as you reached our place. I couldn’t help seeing the address on it, and so I knew you were one of the Miss Starrs, whom we have heard so much about and are so anxious to meet. I hope you are going to be very neighborly.”
“Yes, indeed!” said Katherine, cordially. She was charmed with the lady’s manner, and quite forgot Honor’s intention to have nothing to do with the newcomers. “We will come and call upon you very soon. You are Mrs. Madison, I suppose.”
“Not Mrs., but Miss,” corrected her new friend, again with the lovely smile that had so attracted the young girl. She was a beautiful woman, with fair hair and eyes of deep blue, and there was that in her face which won Katherine’s love at first sight. She felt that she had found a friend, and, with all the enthusiasm of her young and ardent nature, she loved her before she knew her.
“My name is Margaret Madison. I think you must be the musical one, as you have a familiar-looking roll in your hand. You must come and see my music-room. I play the violin myself, and I should so much enjoy playing with you.”
Katherine’s dark eyes grew round with excitement and the color deepened in her face.
“The violin!” she exclaimed. “And you want me to accompany you? How perfectly lovely it will be!”
“We shall have some good music,” said Miss Madison; “you on the piano, and I on the violin. And my brother sings a little.”
“Oh, your brother!” said Katherine. “I’m so glad you have a brother, for we were hoping that he would do for Peter.”
Miss Madison looked somewhat astonished at this remark, but she said nothing.
“Peter is my brother,” continued Katherine, “and he doesn’t care for many boys, so I do hope your brother and he will get on together. We were so glad when we heard that another boy was coming. My sisters and I will call upon you very soon. Good-bye!”