That was where
the difference in age told. Aylmer would not have gone to the Empire
fresh from the fighting line. He made no objection, and concealed the
tiniest ache that he felt when Teddy went out at once with Major Willis,
an elder friend of his. Quite as old, Aylmer thought to himself, as _he_
was. But not being a relative, he seemed of the same generation.
The next evening Teddy spent at home, and sat with his father, who
declared himself to be completely recovered, but was still not allowed
to put his foot to the ground, Miss Clay was asked to sing to them. Her
voice, as has been said, was a very beautiful one, a clear, fine
soprano, with a timbre rare in quality, and naturally thrilling. She had
not been taught well enough to be a public success perhaps, but was much
more accomplished than the average amateur.
Teddy delighted in it. She sang all the popular songs--she had a way
that was almost humorous of putting refinement into the stupidest and
vulgarest melody. And then she sang some of those technically poor but
attaching melodies that, sung in a certain way, without sickening
sentimentality or affectation, seem to search one's soul and bring out
all that there is in one of romance.
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