“Oh, to be sure, I see a piano in the room; but of course it is a hotel piano, which you would no more care to touch than I would to hear!”
“Suppose you let me try this ‘hotel piano.’ Let us not yield to a prejudice, but give the abused thing a fair trial,” said Drusilla, smiling as she sat down to one of the finest instruments of the most celebrated manufacturer in London.
She executed in her best style some of Colonel Seymour’s favorite pieces. And the old colonel, as usual, listened, entranced,
“Why, that is one of the best toned pianos I ever heard in my life—quite as good as your own fine instrument at home!” exclaimed the old man in surprise. “But what amazes me is that it should be in such good tone. I never could abide either school pianos or hotel pianos in my life before.”
“This is neither,” answered Drusilla, laughing. “We hired this from a celebrated music-bazar.”
“Ah, that accounts for it!” said the colonel. “Now, my dear, begin again! Consider, I haven’t heard the sound of your sweet voice in song for a month before to-night!”
“And that is just the reason why he crossed the ocean, Drusilla, my dear, and nothing else in life!” said Mrs. Seymour. “He may talk about showing Nanny the old world and improving her mind and all that, but it’s no such thing! It was the love of your music that lured him all the way from America, like the lute of What’s-his-name did the spirits out of What-do-you-call it!”
Drusilla smiled on the old lady and recommenced her pleasant task, and played and sang for the old gentleman during the remainder of the evening.
At eleven o’clock the visitors arose to take their leave, but of course did not do it immediately,—they stood and talked for half an hour longer. And, in that standing conference, it was arranged that General Lyon should see about getting suitable apartments at the Morley House for the Seymours; and, if none should now be vacant, that he should bespeak in advance the first that should be disengaged.
It was farther agreed that the two parties of friends should join company in all sight-seeing excursions, and that they should always lunch together.