Mr. Wentworth had heard of Meg from Mrs. Webb, but had not been told her story and was not prepared for the lovely girl who now sat gravely before him. Before he asked her why she was anxious to see him he turned over several letters that lay on his desk and placed one before him.
If the details tallied he would have the delight of being the means of setting his friend's heart at rest.
As Meg told him her story, with reservations, however, she noticed that his attention often seemed to be wandering to the letter before him. She was somewhat discouraged; on the other hand his manner was so kind and sympathetic when he turned towards her that she told him more than she had intended. At the close he looked up with a smile.
"And now what do you want me to do for you?" he asked.
"Mrs. Webb tells me you sometimes have parish concerts. I was wondering if you would let me sing. Perhaps in that way I might get pupils."
"And what songs can you sing?"
The Rector had pushed the letter, that had engaged his attention, on one side, and now sat with his elbow on the table resting his head on his hand and looking kindly at the girl.
Meg gave an exclamation of dismay.
"I've just remembered that I left all my songs at Friars Court," she said colouring with vexation, "so I can only sing unaccompanied. That wouldn't do, would it?" She looked at him anxiously.
"Why not?"