"We haven't had musicians in the family thus far. Suppose you tell us about it."
Richard drew a long breath.
"It's what I have wanted to do ever since I have wanted to do anything! I have planned for it all my life. I have practiced for professional, not for amateur playing. The two are very different. Miss Thomasina has drilled me with the greatest care. I have taken pains with my German and French and Italian. I have talent, Miss Thomasina says so, and I know that I have no other talent, at least. I—"
"Thomasina has been encouraging you, I suppose?" said Mrs. Lister.
"She was my teacher, of course she encouraged me. I am prepared for Faversham. I—"
"Faversham?" Mrs. Lister's tone was as nearly scornful as she could make it. It was as though she alluded to a mountebank.
"I have often told you about him, mother. He is the greatest teacher in New York and he is Miss Thomasina's old friend. She has prepared me for him as though she were a pupil teacher."
"What is a pupil teacher?" asked Mrs. Lister in the same tone.
"He is the pupil of a great master who prepares younger pupils according to the master's methods. Miss Thomasina is the most wonderful person I know."
After that sentence there was a pause, which grew longer and longer.