Dot nodded joyously and opened it on the music holder as he took his seat.
She gave a little cough to clear her throat. He stood up, real concern on his face, and closed the book instantly.
‘There is nothing so culpable as over-tiring the voice; it was criminal of me to let you sing so much,’ he said.
There was a warm flush on her cheeks and her eyes were brilliant.
‘Let us have some tea then,’ she said, with an excited little laugh.
She crossed the room and rang the bell [p 69] ]at the fireplace. Quite a professional look was on his face.
‘I do trust you take proper care of your voice, Miss Armitage,’ was his really anxious remark.
Dot’s eyes flew open, then she laughed aloud just as Peggie appeared in the doorway.
‘Tea, please, Peggie, and baby—baby first,’ was her order.
Peggie departed, surprised displeasure on her face: she wondered who was the strange gentleman her mistress was on such good terms with, and she thought it most inconsiderate that she should want afternoon tea when there was so much ironing on hand. But she slipped a fresh muslin pinafore on the baby and put on his best little red shoes, before she carried him in to them all warm and flushed with his afternoon sleep.