“ ‘La vie est un songe,’ ” he sang, and then, breaking off suddenly, laughed a little and began to descend.
At the first note, Katharine stood still and turned her face upwards. Griggs stopped, too, and looked down at her. Even after Crowdie had laughed Katharine did not move.
“I wish you’d go on, Mr. Crowdie!” she cried, speaking so that he could hear her.
“Griggs is anxious for the Blue Points,” he answered, coming down. “Besides, he hates music, and makes no secret of the fact.”
“Is it true? Do you really hate music?” asked Katharine, turning and beginning to descend again.
“Quite true,” answered Griggs, quietly. “I detest it. Crowdie’s a nuisance with his perpetual yapping.”
Crowdie laughed good naturedly, and Katharine said nothing. As they reached the lower landing she turned and paused an instant, so that Griggs came beside her.
“Did you always hate music?” she asked, looking up into his weather-beaten face with some curiosity.
“Hm!” Griggs uttered a doubtful sound. “It’s a long time since I heard any that pleased me, at all events.”
“There are certain subjects, Miss Lauderdale, upon which Griggs is unapproachable, because he won’t say anything. And there are others upon which it is dangerous to approach him, because he is likely to say too much. Hester! Where are you?”