"We will read together, if you will. I used to be called a good reader, and I'm sure you are, from your voice. Do you sing?"
"A little. I have had no cultivation except what my mother gave me, and that was not much."
"I'm sure your voice must be exquisite. It is contralto, isn't it?"
"Yes."
"That is charming. I am passionately fond of a good contralto. What delightful evenings we shall have! I wish it were next week now. What with our Spanish, our reading, and our music it will be simply charming, quite as if we belonged together and were at home."
He looked at her curiously as he made the speech, and while she colored slightly, she offered no objection.
"Are you fond of horses?" he continued.
"Very."
"Then perhaps you will let me come to take you to drive."