She did not wish to annoy him by the contrast between her song and Miss Wildmere's performance, feeling that he would naturally take sides in his thoughts with the woman outvied; nor had she any desire to inflict upon her rival the disparagement that must follow; but something in Miss Wildmere's self-satisfied and patronizing tone had touched her quick spirit, and the arrogant girl should receive the lesson she had invited.

But, as Madge sang, the noble art soon lifted her above all lower thoughts, and she forgot everything but Graydon and the hope of her heart.

She sang for him alone, as she had learned to sing for him alone.
In spite of her explanations he looked at her with the same old wonder and perplexity of which he had been conscious from the first.

If she had merely sung with correctness and taste, like Miss Wildmere, there would have been nothing to disturb his complacent admiration; but now he almost felt like springing to her side with the words, "What is it, Madge?
Tell me all." As the last lovely notes ceased, only the unthinking children applauded.

From the others there was entreaty.
"Please sing again, Miss Alden," said the gentleman who had first asked her.