Volume I Part 8 (1/2)
”Talk to me,” broke in Laura from beyond Miss Benette; but I would not,--I steadily looked in front, full of a new plan of mine I must explain that we proceeded slowly, because Davy's instructions were complete,--perhaps too ideal for the majority; but for some and for me there was an ineffaceable conviction in every novel utterance
Just before we separated, I ventured to make my request ”Miss Benette!” I said, and she almost stared, quite started to find I knew her name, ”Mr Davy told me who you were,--will you let me come and practise with you? He will tell youwith you,--I do so admire your voice” I spoke with the most perfect innocence, at the sa to know her; I did not mean to be overheard, but on the instant Laura looked over
”You don't ask _me_”
”Because I don't care about your voice,” I answered, bluntly She again gazed at
”Oh, hush!+” whispered Miss Benette; ”you have hurt her, poor little thing”
”How very good you are!” I returned, scarcely knohat to say ”I always speak the truth”
”Yes, I should think so; but it is not good taste to dislike Laura's voice, for it is very pretty”
”Come, Miss Benette, dowith you to-morrow”
”I do not mind if your friends will not object”
”Tell me where you live, then”
”In St Anthony's Lane, just by the new foundation There is a tree in front, but no garden You must not come, if you please, until after one o'clock, because I have to practise for ht”
She ran off, having bowed a little courtesy Laura had left while ere talking
”Now,” thought I, ”I shall have it all out, who she is and what she does, and I will o to see her” Davy here joined me
”So you have made friends with Miss Benette”
”Yes, sir;” but I did not tell hi should preventperson, and will be a true artist
Nevertheless, remember my injunction,--rather too few friends than too many”
”I mean to keep friends with her, and to make my sister friends with her”
”Your sister does not want friends, I should think”
”Oh, sir, did you ever find out who the conductor was?”
”nobody knows It is very singular,” and he raised his voice, ”that he has never been heard of since, and had not been seen before by anybody present, though so n professors were in the hall In London they persist it was Milans-Andre, though Andre has himself contradicted the assertion”
”I should like to hear Milans-Andre”