She shook her curls with genuine delight, and played out the little dialogue with vivid imaginary touches.
Stuart laughed.
The girl leaped to her feet, blushing scarlet, rushed to his side and seized his hand.
"Did you see me, Jim? Was I very foolish?"
"Certainly not. I quite agree with the professor. You will some day sing before kings and queens, little girl. You sing as the birds, because it's in your soul. And I want to thank you, too. You've helped me again. I had a hard day's work before me, and you've made it easy."
"Then I shall be very happy all day, Jim!"
"Thank you, little pal—au revoir——"
He left her waving and smiling to him from the steps. He walked with new vigour and a deepening sense of gratitude.
Strange what a gracious influence the child had over him. She was always a ray of sunlight. This morning the touch of her hand and the thrill of her voice had brought his dead soul back to life again. His breath deepened and his step grew firm and swift.
He would fight for his own! He would go straight to Nan and laugh at this announcement. He would compel her to hear him. It was an absurd hour to call, but all the better. The more absurd, the deeper impression he would make and the more certain would be his success. He had written a note before—she had easily returned it unopened. She would find it a difficult undertaking to get him out of the house!