He forgot, then, in the blissful hour he spent with her before the open fire, how he hated music; though he did say, just before he went home that night: "Billy, how long does it take--to learn to sing ?" "Why, I don't know, I'm sure," replied Billy, abstractedly; then, with sudden fervor: "Oh, Bertram, hasn't Mr.Mary Jane a beautiful voice ?" Bertram wished then he had not asked the question; but all he said was: "'Mr.Mary Jane,' indeed! What an absurd name!" "But doesn't he sing beautifully ?" "Eh?
Oh, yes, he sings all right," said Bertram's tongue.

Bertram's manner said: "Oh, yes, anybody can sing.".