There was a new tone in Lance’s voice, a boyish admiration the two girls had never known him to feel for any one before.
Tory recalled a phrase from “The Idylls of the King”: “By all the sweet and sudden passion of youth, Toward greatness in its elder.”
“What is your friend’s name, Lance?” Dorothy asked with added gentleness.
Lance had found not all, but a part of what he sought!
Lance shook his head.
“I had rather not tell you. I must ask permission first. Dorothy, I am afraid there is not much chance for me. I’ll never learn to be a real musician. I am nearly sixteen and too old.”
“Nonsense, Lance McClain!” Tory interrupted, not having taken much part in the conversation until the present moment. “Come on now upstairs with Dorothy and me. We are keeping Mr. Winslow waiting. I shall need your society to give me courage. Afterwards you are to come back with Dorothy and me to our hotel to dinner. I will disappear for a while and you and Dorothy can have a real talk.”
CHAPTER IX
A STUDIO TEA
THE following hour was one of the most delightful the two girls and Lance had ever spent.