"Yes, it is foolish. I wish you could see him, Toney. He has a beautiful face and perfect manners, because he is so earnest and straight to the point. But Jeanie refused him. I'm sure he would never, never ask her again, and there are no end of girls who would marry him. I wonder he isn't married by this time."
Toney stopped still to laugh.
"I must own up, Maud, I've asked him to come and play at Aldersfield. He thinks I'm a great lover of music, as I've offered him carte blanche as to price! and you know, Maud, I don't know one note from another! How I shall sit out the concert I don't know, only it's going to be one of my romances."
"What do you mean, Toney?" Maud looked distressed. "Has he accepted?"
"Yes, to-day. Mr. Russell is sending invitations for a concert at Aldersfield House—supposed to be Aunt Dove's—all over the place, and you'll get one. Now, mind, no refusals—and—I'll do the rest."
"Whatever did you have to pay? He nearly always refuses private people, he hates to be patronised. But you should see him. When he has his violin under his chin he is just inspired and you feel—lifted up almost to heaven. Oh, why did Jeanie refuse him? I know I never could have!"
Maud laughed and Toney joined her.
"You were destined for something better, but I am scheming how to do it."
"Toney! was it really all for Jeanie? If she knew he was going to be at the concert she would not come."
"Well, mums the word. They'll see each other comfortably at Aldersfield. I haven't invented any more yet!—— Isn't it perfect, that little party at the farm and that sweet blind woman who has worked all her life will be very kind to my avant garde folk."