hand reverently]

Grander and grander the melody rose, voicing love's triumph with
wondrous sweetness and palpitating rhythm. Mildred, her face flushed
with excitement, a heavenly fire in her eyes and in an attitude of
supplication, reveled in the glory of a new found emotion.

As the violinist concluded his performance an oppressive silence
pervaded the house, then the audience, wild with excitement, burst
into thunders of applause. In his dressing-room Diotti was besieged by
hosts of people, congratulating him in extravagant terms.

Mildred Wallace came, extending her hands. He took them almost
reverently. She looked into his eyes, and he knew he had struck the
chord responsive in her soul.

VIII

The sun was high in the heavens when the violinist awoke. A great
weight had been lifted from his heart; he had passed from darkness
into dawn.

A messenger brought him this note:

_My Dear Signor Diotti--I am at home this afternoon, and shall
be delighted to see you and return my thanks for the exquisite
pleasure you gave me last evening. Music, such as yours, is
indeed the voice of heaven._

_Sincerely,
Mildred Wallace._

The messenger returned with this reply:

_My Dear Miss Wallace--I will call at three to-day._

_Gratefully,
Angelo Diotti._

He watched the hour drag from eleven to twelve, then counted the
minutes to one, and from that time until he left the hotel each second
was tabulated in his mind. Arriving at her residence, he was ushered
into the drawing-room. It was fragrant with the perfume of violets,
and he stood gazing at her portrait expectant of her coming.

Dressed in simple white, entrancing in her youthful freshness, she
entered, her face glowing with happiness, her eyes languorous and
expressive. She hastened to him, offering both hands. He held them in
a loving, tender grasp, and for a moment neither spoke. Then she,
gazing clearly and fearlessly into his eyes, said: "My heart has found
its melody!"

He, kneeling like Sir Gareth of old: "The song and the singer are
yours forever."

She, bidding him arise: "And I forever yours." And wondering at her
boldness, she added, "I know and feel that you love me--your eyes
confirmed your love before you spoke." Then, convincingly and
ingenuously, "I knew you l