During one of the brief calls he made , he artfully led the conversation to music , and talked away about great singers whom he had seen , fine organs he had heard , and told such charming anecdotes that Beth found it impossible to stay in her distant corner , but crept nearer and nearer , as if fascinated . At the back of his chair she stopped and stood listening , with her great eyes wide open and her cheeks red with excitement of this unusual performance . Taking no more notice of her than if she had been a fly , Mr. Laurence talked on about Laurie 's lessons and teachers . And presently , as if the idea had just occurred to him , he said to Mrs. March ... `` The boy neglects his music now , and I 'm glad of it , for he was getting too fond of it . But the piano suffers for want of use . Would n't some of your girls like to run over , and practice on it now and then , just to keep it in tune , you know , ma'am ? '' Beth took a step forward , and pressed her hands tightly together to keep from clapping them , for this was an irresistible temptation , and the thought of practicing on that splendid instrument quite took her breath away . Before Mrs. March could reply , Mr. Laurence went on with an odd little nod and smile ... `` They need n't see or speak to anyone , but run in at any time . For I 'm shut up in my study at the other end of the house , Laurie is out a great deal , and the servants are never near the drawing room after nine o'clock . '' Here he rose , as if going , and Beth made up her mind to speak , for that last arrangement left nothing to be desired . `` Please , tell the young ladies what I say , and if they do n't care to come , why , never mind . '' Here a little hand slipped into his , and Beth looked up at him with a face full of gratitude , as she said , in her earnest yet timid way ... `` Oh sir , they do care , very very much ! '' `` Are you the musical girl ? '' he asked , without any startling `` Hey ! '' as he looked down at her very kindly . `` I 'm Beth . I love it dearly , and I 'll come , if you are quite sure nobody will hear me , and be disturbed , '' she added , fearing to be rude , and trembling at her own boldness as she spoke . `` Not a soul , my dear . The house is empty half the day , so come and drum away as much as you like , and I shall be obliged to you . '' `` How kind you are , sir ! ''
XXXXX blushed like a rose under the friendly look he wore , but she was not frightened now , and gave the hand a grateful squeeze because she had no words to thank him for the precious gift he had given her .
Beth Laurence Laurie chair deal girl left lessons notice o'clock