By the time the second stanza was reached
the majority were singing with hearty good-will, the children
gathering near and joining in with delight.
Other familiar and old-fashioned hymns followed, and then one and
another began to ask for their favorites. Fortunately Mrs. Chints's
knowledge of sacred music was limited, and so she retired on the
laurels of having called Miss Burton out, informing half the company
of the fact with an important nod; and in remembrance of this fact
they were inclined to forgive her the anguish she had personally
caused them.
Mrs. Burleigh, who had stolen into the parlor for a little while
that she might enjoy the singing, remembered that she had a pile
of note-books that had grown dusty on a shelf since the baby had
furnished the music of the household. These were brought, and
higher and fuller musical themes were attempted, until the singers
dwindled to a quartet composed of a lady who had a fair soprano
voice, Miss Burton, Stanton and Van Berg. Their selections, however,
continued truly sacred in character, thus differing radically from
the florid style that Mrs. Chints had introduced.
The sweet and penetrating power of Miss Burton's voice could now
be distinguished.
Pages:
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216