"No, no! I can't think of singing before such a performer as Miss Fleming."
"But you are an early bird, and she and Miss Deane will probably be late. Can't you sing and play for me before they are down in the morning?"
"Well, perhaps," she answered coquettishly. "And the lessons? will you hear them, too, before breakfast?"
"If you wish it, dear."
CHAPTER XVII.
"The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with."
—Proverbs 17:14.
Zoe went to bed that night and rose again the next morning a happy little woman.
The song was sung, the performance eliciting warm praise from the solitary listener.
Then they had a delightful ride together, all before breakfast, and she brought to the table such dancing eyes and rosy cheeks that Mr. Lilburn could not refrain from complimenting her upon them, while the rest of the older people smiled in approval.