"Oh, there's no one to blow the organ," she said, divining his suggestion."And I haven't the key--and, besides, the organ is too heavy and severe for an invalid.It would overwhelm you tonight.""Not as you would know how to play it for me,"urged Theron, pensively."I feel as if good music to-night would make me well again.I am really very ill and weak--and unhappy!"
The girl seemed moved by the despairing note in his voice.
She invited him by a sympathetic gesture to lean even more directly on her arm.
"Come home with me, and I'll play Chopin to you," she said, in compassionate friendliness."He is the real medicine for bruised and wounded nerves.You shall have as much of him as you like."The idea thus unexpectedly thrown forth spread itself like some vast and inexpressibly alluring vista before Theron's imagination.The spice of adventure in it fascinated his mind as well, but for a shrinking moment the flesh was weak.
"I'm afraid your people would--would think it strange,"he faltered--and began also to recall that he had some people of his own who would be even more amazed.
"Nonsense," said Celia, in fine, bold confidence, and with a reassuring pressure on his arm."I allow none of my people to question what I do.They never dream of such a preposterous thing.Besides, you will see none of them.
Mrs.Madden is at the seaside, and my father and brother have their own part of the house.I shan't listen for a minute to your not coming.Come, I'm your doctor.