As soon as the rooms began filling, music, songs, and recitations succeeded each other, there being so many professionals present that there was no danger of ennui.
Muriel played and sang, Signor Losti, the great master, taking a great fancy to her voice, and, finding that she knew Gray Leighton, striking up a friendship on the spot.
Mr. Keene came on from the “Coliseum,” and, heedless of fatigue, took his part amongst the performers with the winning courtesy so often seen in great artistes.
He said little to Muriel, seeing that she was surrounded by a circle of admirers, until late in the evening, when Mrs. Carroll approached him and asked with a smile if he would give them one more delight.
He smiled and went up to Muriel.
“Miss Winstanley, are you tired?”
“No,” she smiled, rising instantly, wondering a little at his question.
“I want you to recite with me.”
“I?” starting back and turning white; “Mr. Keene—you are cruel!”
“No,” he returned kindly, “I am quite sure that you can if you will. You will not be nervous?”