Mrs. Strachey came to the rescue. "It's so difficult, is it not, to accompany oneself?" she said kindly. "Perhaps one of the others would play for you?"
No one moved.
"Do any of you know the song?"
Two or three ungraciously admitted the knowledge, but none volunteered.
It was here Laura chimed in. "I could play it," she said; and coloured at the sound of her own voice.
Mrs. Strachey looked doubtfully at the thin little girl. "Do you know it, dear? You're too young for singing, I think."
"No, I don't know it. But I could play it from sight. It's quite easy."
Everyone looked disbelieving, especially the unhappy singer.
"I've played much harder things than that," continued Laura.
"Well, perhaps you might try," said Mrs. Strachey, with the ingrained distrust of the unmusical.