In fact, she couldn't see Elise or Mona, though Philip was visible between some rickety armour and a tattered curtain.

Very handsome he looked, too, his dark, and just now gloomy, face thrown into relief by the "artistic" background.
"Apparently, Mr.Van Reypen is not enjoying himself," Blaney commented, with a quiet chuckle.

"He's not our sort." This remark jarred upon Patty, and she was about to make a spirited retort, when the music began.
A girl was at the piano.

Her gown, of burlaps, made Patty think it had been made from an old coffee sack.

But it had a marvelous sash of flaming vermilion velvet, edged with gold fringe, and in her black hair was stuck a long, bright red quill feather, that gave her an Indian effect.
"I think her gown is out of key," Patty whispered, "and I am sure her music is!" Blaney smiled.