"A poor man is obliged to study many arts," he said, carelessly, when
Sir Oswald complimented him on his musical powers. "My life has been
one of laborious industry; and the cultivation of music has been almost
the only relaxation I have allowed myself. I am not, like Lady
Eversleigh, a musical genius. I only pretend to be a patient student of
the great masters."
The baronet was delighted with the musical talents of his guest because
they assisted much in the display of Lady Eversleigh's exceptional
power. Victor Carrington's brilliant playing set off the magnificent
singing of Honoria. With him as her accompanyist, she sang as she could
not sing without his aid. Every evening there was an impromptu concert
in the long drawing-room; every evening Lady Eversleigh sang to Victor
Carrington's accompaniment.
One evening, in the summer dusk, when she had been singing even more
superbly than usual, Lydia Graham happened to be seated near Sir
Oswald, in one of the broad open windows.
"Lady Eversleigh is indeed a genius," said Miss Graham, at the close of
a superb _bravura_; "but how delightful for her to have that
accomplished Mr. Carrington to accompany her--though some people prefer
to play their own accompaniments. I do, for instance; but when one has
a relative who plays so well, it is, of course, a different thing."
"A relative! I don't understand you, my dear Miss Graham.
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