Page:The Tattooed Countess (1924).pdf/192

 Professor Hendricks was quite good, I thought, she advanced timidly.

O, not bad, not bad for Maple Valley, that is, but think of him having the nerve to play before her. Why, she's probably heard Rubinstein and Paderewski. . . may be even Liszt. And think of Clara singing to a woman who has listened to Melba and Calvé.

I see what you mean, Gareth. Are you ready for your coffee?

Yes, mother.

Mary made some of your favourite graham gems.

Presently, Mr. Johns laid down his paper, poured some coffee out of his cup into his saucer, permitted it to cool for a few seconds, and took a great gulp. Then he growled: How much longer do you intend to waste your time, young man?

That's what I want to know, father. If I'm going to college I ought to be preparing for exams.

So you haven't got that fool idea out of your head yet?

Not yet, father.

Henry, Mrs. Johns interrupted anxiously, do let the boy go. He wants to so bad.

I suppose I've got to let him do every blessed thing he wants to. Mr. Johns's tone was sarcastic.

No, of course not, but this is more important than most things, Henry, Mrs. Johns pleaded.

Well, I don't see it at all. Wasting his time going to. . . Henry Johns shook out the Star and