He thought good-naturedly to suggest to Daisy an escape from her difficulty, by substituting for the opera song something else that she _could_ sing.

Rising and walking slowly up and down the room, he hummed near enough for her to hear and catch it, the air of "Die in the field of battle." Daisy heard and caught it, but not his suggestion.

It was the thought of the _words_ that went to her heart,--not the thought of the tune.

She stood as before, only clasped her little hands close upon her breast.Capt.Drummond watched her.

So did her father, who could make nothing of her.
"Do you understand me, Daisy ?" "Papa--" "Obey me first, and then talk about it." Daisy was in no condition to talk; she could hardly breathe that one word.