Marjorie stepped noiselessly into the room, her eyes on the piano. A man was seated before it. She could not see his face, but she noted that he had an enormous shock of snow-white hair. At one side of him stood another old man, his thin cheek resting lovingly against his violin, his whole soul intent upon the flood of melody he was bringing forth, while on the other side of the pianist, her quiet face fairly transfigured stood Constance, pouring out her very heart in song. CHAPTER XVI THE PEOPLE OF THE LITTLE GRAY HOUSE Intent upon their music, neither the singer nor the two men were immediately aware of the presence of another person in the room. "Oh, that we two were lying Under the churchyard sod," sang Constance, voicing the pent-up longing of Kingsley's tenderly regretful words and Nevin's wistful setting, while the violin sang a subdued, pensive obligato. Marjorie stood very still, her gaze fastened upon Constance. The quaint little boy stared at Marjorie with an equally intent interest. Thus, as Constance began the last line the earnest, compelling regard of the brown eyes caused her own to be turned toward Marjorie. "Oh!" she ejaculated in faltering surprise. "Where--where did you come from? What made you come here?" There was mingled amazement, consternation and embarrassment in the question. The white-haired pianist swung round on his stool, and the old man with the violin raised his head and regarded the unexpected visitor out of two mildly inquiring blue eyes. "I'm sorry," began Marjorie, her cheeks hot with the shame of being unwelcome. "I suppose I ought not to have come, but----" Constance sprang to her side and catching her hands said contritely, "Forgive me, dear, and please don't feel hurt. I--you see--I never invite anyone here--because--well, just because we are so poor. I thought you wouldn't care to come and so----" "I've always wanted to come," interrupted Marjorie, eagerly. "I don't think you are poor. I think you are rich to have this wonderful music. I never dreamed you could sing, Constance. What made you keep it a secret?" "No one ever liked me well enough to care to know it until you came," returned Constance simply. "I meant to tell you, but I kept on putting it off." While the conversation went on between the two girls the one old man was going over a pile of ragged-edged music on the piano, while the other was industriously engaged with a troublesome E string. "Father, Uncle John!" called Constance, gently, "come here. I want you to meet my friend Marjorie Dean." Both musicians left their self-appointed tasks and came forward.