I only meant her to understand that she'd have to do as she used to do--listen outside your door." Billy's cheeks reddened.
"But that is what I sha'n't do," she retorted with spirit.

"And, moreover, I still have hopes that some day he'll play to me." "Maybe," conceded Bertram, doubtfully; "if the stool and the piano and the pedals and the weather and his fingers and your ears and my watch are all just right--then he'll play." "Nonsense!" scowled Cyril.

"I'll play, of course, some day.

But I'd rather not today." And there the matter had ended.

Since then Billy had not asked him to play..