"To be sure, he might hear. He would find out that you are musical. What of that? Where is the use of being able to sing, to sing only when there's nobody to listen?"
"I sing only to friends. I cannot sing, I have never sung, to persons in whom I have no confidence."
"Afraid! What a little goose!"
"Not afraid, exactly."
"I don't comprehend, I am sure."
"I do not expect you should."
"I never did understand you."
"You never will." Silence again.
Flora tuned up, and, of all tunes, she must needs hum my song. I was on my feet in a moment to depart, when I heard the clear tones of Etty's voice again, and stood still, with one foot advanced.
"Flora, you should sharp that third note in the last line."