'I dare say you may, dear.'
'But shall I have an organ to play? In London you can't go into any church and play, can you?'
'No; it is only because I know the clergyman here that he gives me permission.'
'And why do you never come to church here on Sunday?'
'Because we have a little church nearer us; but it has not an organ, and so I come over here.'
'Do you know what I do when you're singing? I shut my eyes and pretend I'm in heaven. It's lovely! If you shut yours you could pretend too, and I wish you could go on singing for ever and ever!'
Nesta laughed, and kissed the little eager, up-turned face. 'I should get very tired and hungry, I'm afraid. I am not an angel, Betty; but you're right, darling. I, too, get very near to heaven when I'm singing;' and she added musingly,—
In heart and mind ascending,
My spirit follows Thee.'
When, a little later, Nesta came out of the church with Betty, the tall figure of Major St. Clair came forward to meet them.
'Good-afternoon, Miss Fairfax.'