by sight and name. On the edge of the group, and halfway down
the room, were Mrs. Verjoos and her younger daughter, who gave him a
cordial greeting; and the elder lady was kind enough to repeat her
daughter's morning assurances of regret that they were out on the
occasion of his call.

"I trust you have been as good as your word," said Miss Clara, "and
brought some music."

"Yes, it is on the piano," he replied, looking across the room to where
the instrument stood.

The girl laughed. "I wish," she said, "you could have heard what Mr.
Harum said this morning about your singing, particularly his description
of The Lost Chord, and I wish that I could repeat it just as he gave
it."

"It's about a feller sittin' one day by the org'n," came a voice from
behind John's shoulder, so like David's as fairly to startle him, "an'
not feelin' exac'ly right--kind o' tired an' out o' sorts, an' not
knowin' jest where he was drivin' at--jest joggin' along with a loose
rein fer quite a piece, an' so on; an' then, by an' by, strikin' right
into his gait an' goin' on stronger an' stronger, an' fin'ly finishin'
up with an A--men that carries him quarter way 'round the track 'fore he
c'n pull up." They all laughed except Miss Verjoos, whose gravity was
unbroken, save that behind the dusky windows of her eyes, as she looked
at John, there was for an instant a gleam of mischievous drollery.

"Good evening, Mr. Lenox," she said. "I am very glad to see you," and
hardly waiting for his response, she turned and walked away.

"That is Juliet all over," said her sister. "You would not think to see
her ordinarily that she was given to that sort of thing, but once in a
while, when she feels like it--well--pranks! She is the funniest
creature that ever lived, I believe, and can mimic and imitate any
mortal creature. She sat in the carriage this morning, and one might
have fancied from her expression that she hardly heard a word, but I
haven't a doubt that she could repeat every syllable that was uttered.
Oh, here come the Bensons and their musicians."

John stepped back a pace or two toward the end of the room, but was
presently recalled and presented to the newcomers. After a little talk
the Bensons settled themselves in the corner at the lower end of the
room, where seats were placed for the two musicians, and our friend took
a seat near where he had been standing. The violinist adjusted his
folding music rest. Miss Clara stepped over to th