“I prefer a Canadian shelter,” said Launa, with sweetness.
“Are you having music lessons, dear Launa?” asked Mrs. Carden. “And have you taken up any serious study, yet?”
“I go to Herr Winderthal’s twice a week and play for him, and with him. He has two other men for the violin and the ’cello; we play trios and quartettes. You know the quartette with ‘Die Forelle,’ motif by Schubert?”
“Alone?” inquired Mrs. Carden, with apprehension.
“Alone? No. Three people play in a trio, and four in a quartette,” said Launa.
Mr. George laughed, and said:—
“No one will listen to me. And I do so want to explain my proverb to you, Miss Launa. You see, if a woman has a brutal temper she does absolutely as she likes, and never sets an example; her precepts are obeyed, she has a good time, the best; and you see a saint whose example is quite heavenly, does any one imitate her? No, they only make her do more, work harder, and set a better example. Then they admire her.”
“You have met that woman?” said Mr. Wainbridge.
“Several of them,” said the other.
“Good-bye,” began Mrs. Carden. “I am disappointed in you, Launa.”