But she played
with taste and a graceful rhythm, which proved that music in its
simplest forms might become a language by which she could express
her thought and feeling.
"Ida," said Mr. Mayhew, a little abruptly, "I wish to see a friend
at the club. I'll be back before the evening is over."
"Please don't stay long," Ida answered, looking wistfully after
him.
Then they found some ballad-music that they could sing together,
and Van Berg expressed great pleasure in finding how well their
voices blended.
"You have modestly kept quite all summer, and I am just finding
out that you play and sing," he said.
"I would not have the confidence to do either at a hotel. I shall
never be able to do any more than furnish a little simple home
music to friends, not critics."
"I'm content with that arrangement, for I have finally dropped my
character of critic."
"But true friends never flatter," she said. "If you won't help me
overcome my faults I shall have to find another friend."
"As you recommended an ancient woman as nurse, so I will recommend
the venerable friend you have already found, and ask you to let
him do all the fault-finding."
She turned to him and said earnestly: "Mr.
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