iano is
all she has to practise on, and during the winter she can only go into
Halifax once a week for a lesson. Susan, show them into the sitting-room,
and perhaps Miss Sherwood will play something for us."

As Dexie entered the room she took in at a glance the many pretty and
tasteful things which adorned the walls and brackets, and she wondered if
Susan's fingers had accomplished such marvels in autumn leaves and other
little adornments.

The fireplace was a thing of beauty, with its polished andirons, and the
ruddy tongues of flame that leaped forth from the heaped-up wood made a
cheerful picture.

Several big cushioned chairs were drawn near the hearth and a basket of
knitting work was "handy" on a table, while in the old-fashioned rocker the
family cat peacefully reposed.

Lancy had no eyes for anything but the piano, and as Susan opened it she
smilingly exclaimed:

"Confess, now, that you think there is little music to be got out of this
ancient-looking thing."

"Well, it is an odd make, certainly, but some of these old pianos have a
fine tone. Sit down and play something for us, Miss Taylor," and he drew
the music-stool in place.

"Oh, no! I couldn't think of it!" she replied, smiling. "My playing is not
of an entertaining kind as yet, for even mother flies to the kitchen when I
try a new piece, but you will find me a good listener."

Was that the same old piano? thought Susan, as she stood by the instrument
watching Lancy's fingers passing over the keys. Why, it seemed to be a
thing of life; and she moved away almost in awe at the sounds that came
forth from the hitherto despised keys.

Presently Dexie began to sing, low and softly at first, then her expressive
voice swelled forth, thrilling the listeners that gathered at the door.
Susan slipped away, her eyes full of tears.

"Oh! if I could only play and sing like that I would wish for nothing
more," said she to her sister. "That anthem means more than the mere words
and music."

"Yes, it sounds like family prayers," replied her sister. "I declare I
don't know what I am crying for. I wonder if it would be a sin to mash
these potatoes while that singing is going on; they will be getting cold,
I'm afraid."

But the closing words rang out joyously, "But Thou hast been merciful and
heard us; therefore Thy name will we praise all the day long."

Not until she had finished did Dexie realize that she had so many
listeners, but she turned a bright fac