Part 11 (1/2)
Mavis and Merle had not been included in the invitation and they were very much hurt.
”Muriel asked Beata, only she couldn't come. I know because Romola told me so. She even asked Babbie Williams!”
[Ill.u.s.tration: SHE HAD BROUGHT HER WONDERFUL STRADIVARIUS VIOLIN]
”It's most mean of her to miss us out!”
”When we're playing solos, too!”
The boarders talked tremendously about the pleasant evening they had had, and how very much they had enjoyed themselves.
”Muriel's aunt will be staying with her next week, and she's going to persuade her to sing at the concert!” said Iva. ”She has a beautiful voice, and it will give things such a lift. Miss Mitch.e.l.l is as pleased as Punch about it, and says that's just what we want. We ought to have one or two musical stars to make it go.”
Muriel, who felt she had scored by securing a singer, took up a rather lofty att.i.tude and made herself so objectionable that Merle raved in private, and even gentle Mavis was ruffled. They poured out their grievances at home.
”What's the date of the concert?” asked Mrs. Ramsay. ”The 17th? Well, I have an idea! No! I don't mean to tell you now in case my scheme doesn't come off.”
”What is it, Mummie? I'm curious.”
”That's my secret! Take my advice and don't worry any more about Muriel.
Things will probably turn out even in the end.”
In spite of coaxing Mother refused to explain herself further, and it was only when a few days had gone by, and they had almost forgotten the incident, that one morning she opened a letter, read it, and clapped her hands in triumph.
”I've some lovely news for you! Cousin Sheila is coming to stay with us on the 16th, and she's actually bringing her friend Mildred Lancaster, the famous violinist! You know they both went to St. Cyprian's and were in the same form with Miss Mitch.e.l.l. She'll be so pleased to meet them again! Cousin Sheila says Miss Lancaster promises to play at your school concert. Isn't that an honour? It will be something for you to tell Miss Mitch.e.l.l, won't it? We'll ask her and Miss f.a.n.n.y and some of the girls to tea while our visitors are here!”
This was indeed a delightful surprise. The name of Mildred Lancaster was one to conjure with in musical circles. She had just completed a most successful tour in Australia and America, and had won great applause. She was booked to give a recital in Exeter on the 15th, so that she would be in the neighbourhood and able easily to come on to Durracombe. She made her headquarters at Kirkton, so Mrs. Ramsay explained, but travelled much about the country playing at concerts. She was to be married in the spring to her old friend, Rodney Somerville, to whom she had been engaged for some years, but she did not intend to give up her music, and hoped still to make frequent public appearances.
”They're to have a flat in town,” read Mother from Cousin Sheila's letter. ”I'm so glad it's settled that way, because I want Mildred to be happy, yet it would be a wicked shame if she flung her talent to the winds, as some girls do when they marry. She'll have her own little home and yet go on with her career. I call it ideal!”
Mavis and Merle danced off to school simply br.i.m.m.i.n.g over with their news. It certainly had the desired effect. Miss Mitch.e.l.l was very much thrilled at the prospect of meeting her old friends, and highly appreciated the privilege of a violin solo at the concert. The girls were, of course, most excited, except the performers, who nearly had hysterics at the prospect of playing before so great a musical star.
”I shall leave my violin at home!” wailed Beata.
”Nonsense! You'll find n.o.body more kind and encouraging than Miss Lancaster,” said Miss Mitch.e.l.l. ”It isn't the great artists who find fault--they understand the difficulties only too well--it's the carping critics who can't perform themselves and yet think they know all about it! Do your best and no one will expect you to do any more!”
It was a great day for Mavis and Merle when their visitors arrived. They were fond of Cousin Sheila and welcomed her on her own account. With her companion they readily fell in love. Mildred Lancaster was a most charming personality, and although she had been so feted on concert platforms, she was absolutely simple and unaffected in private life. She had brought her wonderful Stradivarius violin, upon which she always played, and she took it out of its case and allowed the girls to admire its graceful curves, and its fine old varnish.
”It's my mascot!” she said. ”I've had it all my life, and if anything were to happen to it I believe I'd give up music! It's been a great traveller, and always stays in my berth on sea voyages.”
To say that the Ramsays were proud to escort Miss Lancaster and her Stradivarius to 'The Moorings' hardly describes their elation. A few parents and friends had been asked, so that with the school there was quite a large audience. It was arranged to take the girls' part of the programme first, and the visitors' solos afterwards, a proceeding for which the young performers were devoutly thankful. They got through their pieces very creditably, especially Beata, who won warm praise from Miss Lancaster.
”That child's artistic and will make a musician if she goes on with it.
She puts _herself_ into her playing.”
”They're rather a remarkable family. Her sister is studying singing in London,” purred Miss Pollard, pleased to have one of her pupils thus noticed.
The treat of the afternoon was when Mildred Lancaster began to play, and her entire mastery of her instrument was a revelation to most of the girls. They had never before had the opportunity of listening to such glorious music.