"By heart," answered Eleanor. "I love it. Wait and I'll get the music for you."
After a moment's search she produced the music, picked up her violin, and, after tightening a string, announced herself ready.
The girls listened, spellbound. It seemed as though Eleanor's very soul had entered into the violin. They could not believe that this was the capricious Eleanor of half an hour before.
"Whatever she may do in future," thought Grace, as she listened to the last plaintive notes of the "Cavatina," "I'll forgive her for her music's sake. One has to make allowances for people like her. It is the claim of the artistic temperament."
"Please play once more," begged Nora. "Then we must go. It's almost six o'clock."
Eleanor chose Nevin's "Venetian Love Song," and Jessica again accompanied her.
"You play with considerable expression," said Eleanor, as Jessica rose from the piano stool.
"How could I help it?" replied Jessica, smiling. "You inspired me."
Eleanor accompanied the four girls down the walk to the gate and repeatedly invited them to come again.
"It's your turn to come and see us now," said Grace. "Do you think you will go to school to-morrow, Eleanor? Miss Thompson dislikes having the girls stay out."