Within ten minutes she was singing triumphantly indoors.

Wilfrid could hear that her voice was firm and assured.

She was singing the song of the woods.

He found to his surprise that his heart dropped under some burden, as if he had no longer force to sustain it.
By-and-by some of the members of the company issued forth.

Carriages were heard on the gravel, and young men in couples, preparing to light the ensign of happy release from the ladies (or of indemnification for their absence, if you please), strolled about the grounds.
"Did you see that little passage between Laura Tinley and Bella Pole ?" said one, and forthwith mimicked them: "Laura commencing:-'We must have her over to us.' 'I fear we have pre-engaged her.'-- 'Oh, but you, dear, will do us the favour to come, too ?' 'I fear, dear, our immediate engagements will preclude the possibility.'-- 'Surely, dear Miss Pole, we may hope that you have not abandoned us ?'--'That, my dear Miss Tinley, is out of the question.'-- 'May we not name a day ?'--'If it depends upon us, frankly, we cannot bid you do so.'" The other joined him in laughter, adding: "'Frankly' 's capital! What absurd creatures women are! How the deuce did you manage to remember it all ?" "My sister was at my elbow.