"And you said you weren't hurt," cried Silvia, sinking on her
knees by Jill.

"Was it you who asked me?" I spoke steadily, looking her full in
the eyes.

Yes," said Silvia.

"I know I did. But then, you know, I don't always mean what I
say. Then the pain surged up once more, and I fainted.


"Is she kind as she is fair?
For beauty lives with kindness.
Love doth to her eyes repair
To help him of his blindness,
And, being helped, inhabits there."

The singing was very gentle. Overnight the song had floated into
the air, rich, full, vibrant; but now a tender note had crept
into the rendering, giving the melody a rare sweetness. I
listened pleasedly. My side was very sore and stiff. Also my
head ached rather.

"Priceless voice that little girl's got." said Berry in a low
voice.

"Isn't she a dear, too?" said Daphne "Fancy giving up her own
bedroom, so that we could have the salon next door."