"
She was just beginning to be sorry for what she had said when she
was startled by a sound, very like a little laugh, which seemed
to come from behind her. She turned quickly, but, before she
could see anything through the darkness, the softest of violin-
tones thrilled the air close beside her, and then she saw, seated
on the corner of Ann's bed, the figure of a man--young or old,
she could not tell. How could he have kept so still! His bow was
wandering slowly about over the strings of his violin; but
presently, having overcome, as it seemed, with the help of his
instrument, his inclination to laugh, he ceased, and all was
still.
"I came," said Mary, turning again to Ann, "hoping you might be
able to tell me where the sweet sounds came from which we have
heard now two or three times; but I had no idea there was any one
in the room besides yourself.--They come at intervals a great
deal too long," she added, turning toward the figure in the
darkness.
"I am afraid my ear is out sometimes," said the man, mistaking
her remark. "I think it comes of the anvil."
The voice was manly, though gentle, and gave an impression of
utter directness and simplicity. It was Mary's turn, however, not
to understand, and she made no answer.
"I am very sorry," the musician went on, "if I annoyed you,
miss."
Mary was hastening to assure him that the fact was quite the
other way, when Ann prevented her.
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