CHAPTER XXVI.
"MUSIC HATH CHARMS" Two days after Thanksgiving Cyril called at Hillside.
"I've come to hear you play," he announced abruptly.
Billy's heart sung within her--but her temper rose.

Did he think then that he had but to beckon and she would come--and at this late day, she asked herself.

Aloud she said: "Play?
But this is 'so sudden'! Besides, you have heard me." The man made a disdainful gesture.
"Not that.

I mean play--really play.

Billy, why haven't you played to me before ?" Billy's chin rose perceptibly.
"Why haven't you asked me ?" she parried.
To Billy's surprise the man answered this with calm directness.
"Because Calderwell said that you were a dandy player, and I don't care for dandy players." Billy laughed now.
"And how do you know I'm not a dandy player, Sir Impertinent ?" she demanded.
"Because I've heard you--when you weren't." "Thank you," murmured Billy.
Cyril shrugged his shoulders.
"Oh, you know very well what I mean," he defended.