"Upstairs?"
"Just before you came down."
"I had no idea I was so loud."
"Your voice rings. It has carrying power."
He started to say: "I hope you like it," and something inside whispered:
"Behave."
She took the seat at the piano and touched the keys with an easy, graceful movement. She looked up and smiled. Her eyes blinded him. They were so bright and friendly.
"What will you sing?"
"Annie Laurie," he answered promptly.
Stuart sang with deep tenderness and passion. He outdid himself. And he knew it. He never knew before that he could sing so well.
On the last stanza the girl softly joined a low, sweet voice with his.
As the final note died away in Stuart's voice, hers lingered a caress.
The man's heart leaped at its tenderness.