Peter was quite at a loss how to act. Was the girl dreaming? Or was it true, and if true what was to be done?
"I'll send Elsie here with some tea," he said.
Meg sprang from her seat.
"I can't stay here alone," she cried. "Jem may find me and I'm just ashamed to meet him. I'll go to my room."
Peter went in search of Sheila and of Miss Gregson; but the former was too put out with Meg to listen to his story, and Miss Gregson was not to be found; so he decided to wait till the morning to talk the matter over.
[CHAPTER XV]
REPULSED
JEM had been listening to Meg with rapt attention as she sang her songs. He could hardly believe that the girl standing so quietly on the platform dressed in that green shimmering dress, and surrounded by all the rank and fashion of the neighbourhood, was the same with whom he had sat out the storm and to whom he had spoken of marriage on the heath two years ago.
He remembered her soft laugh as he had mentioned the subject that day, and how quickly she had stifled it on seeing it hurt him. But if she laughed then, when he had all to give her and she had nothing, what would she do now?
It was during the intervals that these bitter thoughts crowded across his mind. While the girl was actually singing he could think of nothing but her and her song.