She sang several songs for him, pouring out the exquisite melodies clearly and artlessly as a bird. Ronald said to himself that it was wonderful what a voice the girl had, so strong and sweet and clear that she made him think of Shelley's sky-lark—
"Pouring his full heart
In profuse strains of unpremeditated art."
He remained with her fully two hours. It did not seem to him so long. The time went very fast looking at that fair face and listening to that musical voice. For a wonder Mrs. Meredith did not call her to the house for anything. Dollie had grown large enough to walk and run alone, and did not need so much attention.
"Is it true that you are going to become a governess?" he said to her. "Violet Earle told me so this morning."
"Yes, if I can find a situation," she replied. "Do you think I shall be likely to find one, Mr. Valchester?"
There was a wistful anxiety in the sweet voice. He looked at the fair young face thoughtfully.
A slanting ray of sunlight pierced the green boughs of the tree and penciled her white brow with a finger of light that brought out its child-like innocence more clearly.
"No, I hardly think you will be successful," he replied.
"You do not?" she said, and he saw the red lips quiver. "Why not, Mr. Valchester? I have studied very hard and learned a great deal since I have been away at school."
"You look too young," he replied. "No one would like to engage one who appeared so childish. You look too inexperienced."