The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-08-03


haps you have had the happiness to
hear him many times?'
YES said the gentleman, Il have
heard him many times
"Ah! And you may even know him,
signor?"
We'll, yes" answered the gentle
man, stroking his bread. 81 have met
him."
Some day" began Tony animated
ly, and stopped. With sort of a
shiver he once more held out the
violin. Pardon, Signor! was for
getting. Will you please examine
this, and give me the other violin?"
Instead of taking it, the gentleman
removed his glasses and gazed at
Tony for a moment very steadily.
Then he rose, and, going to a table
upon which his violin case rested, he
took out the violin within, and re-
sumed his seat
MANY persons" he said quietly,
would think this mistake altogether
a hoax, Tony Marelli, and would have
both violins examined by connois-
seur, especially as l told your grand
father and you that | knew nothing
of violins except by tone. But l do
know that there are faces beyond
lying, and l believe yours is one of
them. Moreover, trust you for other
reasons. But it is only natural /
should seek in some way to confirm
my opinion. AS I have said, my ear
is not readily deceived; it is family
acuteness for tone. Let me hear you
play this violin, then the other"
The boy, with feverish desire for
perfect fairness, did as he was bid.
! When both instruments had been
tried, the gentleman exclaimed with
delight at the tone of the Cremona,
then added:
''You play we'll, my young violin
ist!"
Tony prepared to go. But how was
he to get his grandfather's violin back
to him? He was forbidden to return
himself.
"Signor," he said, in embarrass-
ment 81 shall not return to the shop
today-or soon. If you would be so
good as to have this left there for me,
it would be a great kindness. | do
not know just when could take it
myself, nor with whom I could leave
it," He paused, coloring.
Certainly" said the gentleman.
But not going back? You have found
better placer"
mo, Signor."
mo? Off for holiday"
"No, Signor, THAT is, l don't
know"
Upon my word" said the gentle
man, laughingly, you're funny fell
low. But l see you are in trouble.
Tell me about it. l am interested in
you, Tony Marelli, and so l am curious
to know why you are not to return
to the shop. Tell me, have you dis
pleased your grandfather" go. 49,.
The boy could not resist the kind
ness of that voice.
"I-I am afraid, Signor,' he fal-
tered. Las
'And why? Tell me why" =,
For answer fame of color swept
the boys cheeks and brow"
TOO much playing, eh?" q.
mo, Signor.'
"Ah,, well, you do not wish me to
know" said the gentleman, as he rose
} hastily and laid hand kindly upon
the boys shoulder. But l think ]
understand this matter, anyway. Do
friend child
Trust me. You do not return because
you have brought me the Stradi,
J varius?"
And then the pent-up tears gushed
through Tony's fingers, that strove to
hide his face.
, "And you are not to go back at all?
Answer me, my boy. Not at all?"
A low sob and an almost inaudible
mo, Signor."
Then l will tell you where you may
| go if you wish: with me to Leipsic, tc
learn to play of the yiolinist, Talma
, dor Ovad, himself
) Learn of the master, Signor? But
how could I do that?' Tony forgot
, his tears, and looked up with eyes like
: sunbeams in spring showers.
5 WELL said the gentleman, smiling
t enough of mystery! Talmador Ovat
> is my own dear brother, and he will
teach you, I promise, when he hears
you play his cradle song as yot
2 played it in the shop this morning
e AS to the rest, will see to it. All ii
;, settled. You will go with me to
Q night
:. "Oh, Signor!" And then, beint
' speechless, Tony poured out his graft
g tude in passionate kisses on Signo
Ovad's hand. But, my grandfather
: Signor? You will not let harm com,
s to him? He is so old-so very old
}. Graciously forgive him, Signor. HI
e did not take the violin from me, a.
q he might have done. And perhaps h
has not long to live-pardon Signor