I had quite forgotten that I had tied a handkerchief over my head to keep the dust from off my hair; with my holland bib-apron and sleeves, and pinned-up dress, I must have looked an odd figure; but when I said so he laughed, and observed that he rather admired my novel costume: it reminded him of a Highland peasant he had once seen.
'Was that you who were singing just now, Miss Garston ?' he asked presently, looking at me with some attention.
'Yes,' I returned.

'You seem surprised.

Surely you have heard me sing at Hyde Park Gate ?' But he shook his head very decidedly.
'I should not have forgotten your voice if I had once heard it,' he said, in such a pleasant manner that the straightforward compliment did not embarrass me.

'You ought not to let such a talent rust, Miss Garston: the vicar must utilise you for our Penny Readings.' I was horrified at this notion, and told him very seriously that nothing would induce me to sing on a platform, but that it was not my intention to let it rust, only I had my own ideas how best to utilise it.
He looked curious at this, but I changed the subject by asking him if he would like to see Mrs.Marshall.He hesitated, coloured slightly as though the question were distasteful, then he put down Janie from his knee,--for the child had clambered up again,--and said the vicar had undertaken the case, as he was rather new to the work, but he would see her if I wished it.
I was provoking enough to say that I did wish it, for I wanted him to see the comfortable appearance of the room that he so dreaded to enter.
I felt sorry for Mr.Tudor in my heart that his work should be so distasteful to him: he was a fine, manly young fellow, who would have made a splendid sailor or soldier, but sick-rooms and old women were not to his taste, and yet he was very gentle and sympathising in his manners, and all the poor people liked him.
Granny was dozing by the fire, and the baby was asleep on the mother's bed, and as I opened the door I quite enjoyed Mr.Tudor's start of astonishment at the changed scene.

I did not let him stay long, but I thought his kind looks and pleasant voice would cheer poor Mary.