“Fie! As if he wanted the old book! We’ve missed you, Dan.”
He flushed boyishly and let his eyes dwell upon her. And, for the first time in her life, Virginia blushed consciously under Daniel’s look.
“Have you really?” he asked eagerly.
“Really and truly!” She nodded at him, smiling. “I should have written you a note about it—invited you to dinner, in fact, if it had not been for our—our concert—” She blushed this time, remembering suddenly that there must have been an earthquake in the Carter house. “I’ve just finished settling up the accounts with Mrs. Payson,” she added hurriedly. “I’m glad it’s over!”
There was a ghost of laughter in Daniel’s eyes, but he kept a sober face.
“It was a success, then, Virginia?”
“Oh, yes! We paid in our full share; no one out of pocket except Mr. Payson. You know, he paid Caraffi. Dan, did you hear Caraffi play?”
He shook his head.
“I’d rather hear you.”
“Mercy! Don’t say that out loud.” She laughed, but her blush deepened. It seemed to-day as if there was something new in Daniel, something she did not understand. “Come and hear me play, though, and I’ll believe you.”