somewhat to the decided outline of the firm well-rounded chin.

Seated, her beauty claimed attention; but her appearance was still
more attractive when she stood up and moved across the room, to take
her seat at the piano. Her figure was tall and commanding, full, yet
faultless in outline, as that of one in the prime of ripe, rich
womanhood, and its perfect proportions were fully set off by her
close-fitting but perfectly plain black dress.

A little hum of approval greeted her from this well-bred audience as
she sat down and swept her fingers with a flourish over the keys.
Then, without further prelude, she sang a little French song in a
pleasing, musical voice, without much compass, but well trained;
before the applause ended she broke into a Spanish ballad, tender and
passionate, which gained her still greater success; and thus accepted
and approved amidst continual cries of "Brava!" and "Encore!" she was
not allowed to leave her seat until she had sung at least a dozen
times.

When she arose from the piano Lady Essendine went up to her,
patronising and gracious.

"Oh! thank you so much. I don't know when I have heard anything so
charming."

Other ladies followed suit, and, amidst the general cries of approval,
the beautiful singer was engaged a dozen deep to sing at other great
houses in the town.

Presently they pressed her to perform again. Was she not paid for it?