Saturday was always such; when the little choir had got a song perfect, Mrs.Ormonde was wont to come up and hear them sing it, making them glad with her praise.
It happened that to-night there was to be practising of a new song; Mrs.Mapper had chosen 'Annie Laurie,' and she began by playing over the air.

One or two of the children knew it, but not the words; these, it was found, were always very quickly learnt by singing a verse a few times over.
'Do you know 'Annie Laurie,' Miss Trent ?' Mrs.Mapper asked.
It was one of old Mr.Boddy's favourites; Thyrza had sung it to him since she was seven years old.
'Let us sing it together then, will you ?' They began.

Thyrza was already thoroughly at home, and this music was an unexpected delight.

After a line or two, Mrs.Mapper's voice sank.
Thyrza stopped and looked inquiringly, meeting a wonder in the other's eyes.

Mrs.Mapper was a woman of much prudence; she merely said: 'I find I've got a little cold.