"Such singing as Miss Leicester's!" echoed Isabel, with a gesture of contempt which set Emily laughing excessively, while Everard beat a hasty retreat.
In the evening Emily and Isabel had their things on, and were chatting and laughing with the children in the school-room, before going down to the church for the practising, when Mrs. Arlington came in, saying, "I am afraid that you will all be disappointed, but Dr. Heathfield strictly prohibits Miss Leicester taking any part in the singing to-morrow."
"Oh, Mamma!" exclaimed Emily.
"He says that it would be highly dangerous, and that she must not attempt it."
"But, Mamma, we cannot have the anthem without her."
"I am very sorry, my dear, but it cannot be helped," replied her mother, and having given them the unpleasant tidings to digest as best they might, Mrs. Arlington returned to the drawing-room.
"Now is not that too bad? Who in the world told Dr. Heathfield anything about it, I should like to know?" cried Emily, indignantly. "What possessed him to come here to-night, I wonder—tiresome old fellow?"
"But if it would really do Isabel harm, I think it was very fortunate he came," said Alice, gravely.
"Oh be quiet, Alice! you only provoke me," returned Emily.
"Are you young ladies ready?" asked Everard.