The journey with her stretched itself rosily before Garth's mind's eye; but his instinct to take care of her made him oppose it. "There is me," he said diffidently; "travelling alone with me, I mean. Even in the North a girl is obliged to consider what people will say."
Natalie shook her shoulders impatiently. "There's not the slightest use urging reasons of propriety," she said resolutely. "As long as my conscience is clear, I can't afford to consider it. This is too important. It affects my whole life," she added in a deeper voice. "There's something up there I have to find out!"
Something in this made Garth's hopes lift up a little; for she did not speak as one whose heart was in thrall.
Mademoiselle Trudeau concluded her piece with an ear-tearing discord; and turned, self-consciously inviting applause.
"How well you play, dear!" said Natalie, the wheedler. "Isn't it nice to have music away up here! Try something else."
The performer, adoring Natalie, promptly turned her pig-tails to them again, and attacked "Two Little Girls in Blue." Garth groaned.
"Discourages listeners," remarked Natalie, indicating the curtained doorway.
"So," she continued presently, "if you haven't any better reasons to urge against it, we'll consider the matter settled."
"Couldn't I go for you?" asked Garth.
She resolutely shook her head. "I have promised," she said.