“Saturday,” Arly informed him, joining Lucile, who had sat on the arm of Mrs. Boyd’s chair. Arly sat on the other one, and Gerald Fosland, with an entirely new appreciation of beauty, thought he had never seen a prettier picture than the sweet-faced old lady with the fresh and charming young women on either side of her.
The Reverend Smith Boyd glanced, for just an instant, at Gail, who was now sitting on the leather couch leaning confidingly against her Aunt Grace. He had been at some pains to avoid this young lady recently, for it is natural to spare one’s self distress; but there was a look of loneliness about her which sent his heart out to her in quick sympathy.
“I think I’ll play hooky,” he announced, with a twinkle in the eyes which he now cast upon his mother.
“That’s being a good sport,” approved Ted. “Stay away a Sunday or two, and Market Square Church will appreciate you better.”
“Let’s have some music,” demanded Lucile.
“Gail and Doctor Boyd must sing for you,” announced Aunt Grace, in whom there was a trace of wistfulness. “They do sing so beautifully together!”
“I’m afraid I can’t to-night,” refused Gail hastily, and indeed she had good reason why her voice should not have its firm and true quality just now. “I will accompany Doctor Boyd, though, with pleasure,” and she started toward the music room.
The Reverend Smith Boyd was cut off from the ordinary lies about not being in good voice, and suffering from a slight cold, and such things. He hesitated a moment, and then he followed.
The Bedouin Love Song, the Garden of Sleep, and others of the solo repertoire which Gail had selected for him, came pulsing out of the music room, first hesitantly, and then with more strength, as the friendly nearness between himself and the accompanist became better established.
Presently, the listeners in the library noticed an unusual pause between the songs, a low voiced discussion, and then, the two perfectly blended voices rose in a harmony so perfect that there was moisture in the eyes of two of the ladies present.