her abilities."

Elinor Leyton looked unconvinced. "Modest! In my experience, those who possess true talent are rarely modest about it. But enough of this. We must be on our way to meet Ralph. Let us go, and perhaps we shall have the opportunity to hear more of Miss Brandt's hidden talents in the future."“Never! but there has been no opportunity. There is no instrument here, and we have never talked of such a thing! Only fancy her possessing so magnificent a voice! What a gift! She might make her fortune by it if she needed to do so.”

“Well! she ought to be able to sing with that mouth of hers,” remarked Miss Leyton almost bitterly, as she walked into the corridor. She was unwilling to accord Harriet Brandt the possession of a single good attribute. As the ladies traversed the corridor, they perceived that others had been attracted by the singing as well as themselves, and most of the bedroom doors were open. Mrs. Montague caught Margaret by the sleeve as she passed.

“O! Mrs. Pullen, what a heavenly voice! Whose is it? Fred is just mad to know!”

“It’s only that girl Brandt!” replied Elinor roughly, as she tried to escape further questioning.

“Miss Brandt! what, the little West Indian! Mrs. Pullen, is Miss Leyton jesting?”

“No, indeed, Mrs. Montague! Mademoiselle Brimont was our informant,” said Margaret.

But at that moment their attention was diverted by the appearance of Harriet Brandt herself. She looked brilliant. In one hand she carried her mandoline, a lovely little instrument, of sandal-wood inlaid with mother-of-pearl,--her face was flushed with the exertion she had gone through, and her abundant hair was somewhat in disorder. Mrs. Montague pounced on her at once.

“O! Miss Brandt! you are a sly puss! We have all been delighted--enchanted! What do you mean by hiding your light under a bushel in this way? Do come in here for a minute and sing us another song! Major Montague is in ecstasies over your voice!”

“I can’t stop, I can’t indeed!” replied Miss Brandt, evidently pleased with the effect she had produced, “because I am on my way down to dear Madame Gobelli. I promised to sing for her this afternoon. I was only trying my voice to see if it was fit for anything!”

She smiled at Mrs. Pullen as she spoke and added,“I hope I have not disturbed the darling baby! I thought she 

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