Elinor played for them after supper, and Virginia also played and sang some delightful old negro melodies. Finally, when she struck up the “Suwanee River,” the girls joined in and the house was filled with music.
“Oh dear, I’m having such a good time,” exclaimed the young Southern girl. “What a treat it is to be with other girls! I wish you were all going to make me a long, long visit.”
“Perhaps you could make the girls a visit in West Haven,” said Miss Campbell. “That would be a nice change for you from this Southern climate.”
“It would be beautiful but I can’t leave mother——”
“Miss Virginia,” said the voice of Mammy in the hall, “your ma wants you quick——”
Virginia darted from the room and they heard her running up the stairs. A door opened somewhere above and for an instant there was a sound of weeping, which was shut out immediately when the door was closed.
“Dear, dear! I’m afraid we have disturbed Mrs. l’Estrange,” said Miss Campbell. “How very unfortunate!”
They sat in a silent row listening for more sounds, but the place was as still as a tomb.
Elinor began to talk with Edward in a low voice about music. Georgiana and Mary presently became absorbed in conversation, and Miss Campbell, with her head against the back of the sofa, dropped off into an after-dinner nap.
Billie and Nancy rose and held a whispered conference at the window.