Had she heard the dry and subtle suggestion of Gaston's talk, she would, however, have justified her mother.
About half past nine Delia was in the doorway, talking to one of the guests, who, at the call of some one else, suddenly left her.

She heard a voice behind her.

"Will you not sing ?" She thrilled, and turned to say: "What shall I sing, Mr.Belward ?" "The song I taught you the other day--'The Waking of the Fire.'" "But I've never sung it before anybody." "Do I not count ?--But, there, that's unfair! Believe me, you sing it very well." She lifted her eyes to his: "You do not pay compliments, and I believe you.

Your 'very well' means much.

If you say so, I will do my best." "I say so.