e has the faculty of
finding amusement wherever she goes, and, even apart from the pictures,
has a dozen little histories and romances to recount."

"Y-es," assented Avice flatly. She herself had little sense of humour,
and was by no means prepossessed by the plain, elf-like figure of her
youngest cousin Hope, on the contrary, was graceful and charming, and
had been already mentally adopted as the friend of the future. "What
are _you_ doing?" she asked, with an interest which could not fail to be
flattering, and Hope moved her chair a trifle closer with an impulse of
girlish confidence.

"Oh, I am getting on so well! I have had my first lesson in harmony,
and my master is so kind and encouraging. He seems to think that I know
a great deal already, and his work is so interesting. In the mornings I
study and practise, and in the afternoons I try to hear as much music as
I can. I go to cheap seats at concerts and recitals, or to service at
the Abbey or Saint Paul's. And fancy! I have had a commission to write
a song for a professional--a real professional--a lady who sings at
concerts all over the country. You may know her name--Miss Minnie
Caldecott."

Yes, Avice knew it quite well, and was duly impressed by the news. She
passed it on to her mother, who was sitting silently criticising the
details of the room, while her husband talked to the older girls. She
also appeared impressed, and expressed a desire to hear Hope perform one
of her own compositions. Accordingly the piano was opened, and the girl
sang, not one song, but two, so that her relations might appreciate the
variety of her style: first the graceful and would-be classical setting
to the words which Miss Minnie had despised, and then the more taking,
if less high-class, "domestic" ditty. Mrs Loftus had little of the
maternal instinct in her composition, but even her hard face softened as
Hope's fresh voice sang the sweet, simple words. Uncle Loftus cried
"Bravo! bravo!" and Avice opened wide surprised eyes. Mrs Loftus put up
her eyeglasses and examined the singer in critical fashion. So young;
so pretty; so exceptionally gifted! Really, the girl would be a useful
addition to an evening's entertainment or a house-party in the country.
She made a mental note that Hope was the "presentable" member of the
family, then rose to take her departure, murmuring society nothings as
she shook hands with Philippa, and checking Avice's farewell words with