and Nina and Antonia made as much noise
as a houseful of children, and there was usually
somebody at the piano. Julia was the only
one who was held down to regular hours of
practicing, but they all played. When Frances
came home at noon, she played until dinner
was ready. When Sally got back from school,
she sat down in her hat and coat and drummed
the plantation melodies that negro minstrel
troupes brought to town. Even Nina played
the Swedish Wedding March.

Mrs. Harling had studied the piano under a
good teacher, and somehow she managed to
practice every day. I soon learned that if I
were sent over on an errand and found Mrs.
Harling at the piano, I must sit down and
wait quietly until she turned to me. I can see
her at this moment; her short, square person
planted firmly on the stool, her little fat hands
moving quickly and neatly over the keys, her
eyes fixed on the music with intelligent con-
centration.

[[180]]

p179 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p180w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p181

v?