They began. Thyrza was already thoroughly at home, and this music was an unexpected delight. After a line or two, Mrs. Mapper's voice sank. Thyrza stopped and looked inquiringly, meeting a wonder in the other's eyes. Mrs. Mapper was a woman of much prudence; she merely said:
'I find I've got a little cold. Would you mind singing it alone?'
So Thyrza sang the song through. A moment or two of quietness followed.
'Now I think you'll soon know it, children,' said Mrs. Mapper. 'Lizzie Smith, I see you've got it already. Miss Trent will be kind enough to sing the first verse again; you sing with her, Lizzie—and you too, Mary. That's a clever girl! Now we shall get on.'
The practising went on till all were able to join in fairly well. After that, Mrs. Mapper played the favourite dance tunes, and the children danced merrily. Whilst they were so enjoying themselves, Mrs. Ormonde came into the room. She had dined, and wanted Thyrza to come and sit with her, for she was alone. But first she had five minutes of real laughter and play with the children. They loved her, every one of them, and clung to her desperately when she said sue could stay no longer.
'Good-bye!' she said, waving her hand at the door.
'No, no!' cried several voices. 'There's 'good-night' yet, Mrs. Ormonde!'
'Why, of course there is,' she laughed; 'but that's no reason why I shouldn't say good-bye.'
She took Thyrza's hand and led her down.
'You shall have some supper with me afterwards,' she said 'The little ones have theirs now; but it's too early for you.'