Page:Old ninety-nine's cave.djvu/302

 Restraining a laugh, he asked,—"Are they up to that sort of thing?"

"Up to it? Well I should say so. They deliberately hide them, and are noted for their bad behavior in that line. Mine have completely eluded discovery. But I love them, though Eletheer says their cry reminds her of a rusty pump."

What could he say to this child, and how assist Eletheer in her sisterly efforts in what she believed her duty? As Eletheer said, Cornelia was indeed gifted with an unusual voice which might bring fame. She also was "young to make a choice which might be regretted later." "But after all," he thought, "these matters are better let alone when there is nothing radically wrong, and I see nothing in this case." Why break the spell which held her a willing captive? To what nobler use could her voice be put than bringing sweet sounds into a good man's home where, surrounded by husband and children, she would be shielded from temptation? Surely in that, she could find nothing to regret.