Besides, he couldn't hear the music, so, of course, he couldn't dance." "Some deaf people can hear music, and even compose it." "Can they?
But then just imagine having to talk to a deaf person in a ballroom! it would be awfully embarrassing, don't you think so ?" Sophie, who knew her sister well, and was very shrewd besides, began to suspect that it would not be displeasing to Cornelia to be opposed, and even out-argued upon the question of Mr.Bressant's probable attendance at the party, and qualifications to make himself agreeable when there.
She enjoyed the amusement, in Her demure way, and was besides interested to hear something about her father's pupil.
"I should think," said she, in a modestly suggestive manner, keeping her eyes busy with her work, "that it would be less embarrassing at a party than anywhere.

You know everybody expects to say and hear nothing but nonsense, and there isn't a great deal said even of that.

And you're obliged to talk loud, at any rate, on account of the music and noise." "Well, you may be right," admitted Cornelia, who certainly did take her sister's opposition with admirable good-nature.

"And I was thinking, Sophie, perhaps if they are not very deaf indeed, you know they might get so used to the sound of one's voice as to hear it even when it wasn't so much raised." "Why, certainly!" assented Sophie; "to some kinds of voices, at any rate; probably to a woman's more easily than to a man's.

Is Mr.Bressant very deaf, Neelie ?" Cornelia glanced quickly at her sister, but was reassured by the grave composure of her aspect.