At last she pleaded fatigue, and rose from the instrument, flushing proudly amid vociferous encores.

Graydon was about to ask Madge to sing again, when an old gentleman who had listened to the children's ditties, and had detected unusual sweetness and power in Madge's tones, said, promptly, "I may be mistaken, but I have an impression that Miss Alden can give us some grown-up music, if she will." Instantly his suggestion was seconded by general entreaty, in which not only Graydon joined from sincere good-will, but also Mr.Arnault, in the hope of giving Stella a triumph, for he believed that the best her social rival could do would be to render some ballad fairly well.
Madge's brow contracted, as though she were irresolute and troubled.
"Truly, Miss Alden," said Stella, who was standing near, "I have done my part to beguile the dismal day; I think you might favor us, also.
There are no critics here, I hope.

We should enjoy a simple song if you cannot now recall anything else." "Very well, then, I will give you a little German song that my old teacher loved well;" but Graydon saw the same slight flush and a resolute expression take the place of her hesitancy.
After a brief prelude, which, to his trained ear, revealed her perfect touch, her voice rose with a sweet, resonant power that held those near spellbound, and swelled in volume until people in distant parts of the house paused and listened as if held by a viewless hand.
Connoisseurs felt that they were listening to an artist and not an amateur; plain men and women, and the children, knew simply that they were enjoying music that entranced them, that set their nerves thrilling and vibrating.

Madge hoped only that her voice might penetrate the barriers between herself and one man's heart.

She did not desire to sing on the present occasion.