t having his
violin. I've a great notion----"

"Has mother got it?"

"No. I've never heard her mention it. It was not at home when he--when
he died."

"Do you know where it is?"

"Yes. I'm the only person on earth who does, except the one who has it."

"Who is that?"

"I can't tell you, but I will see if they have it yet, and get it if I
can. But if your mother finds it out she will never forgive me."

"I can't help it," said Elnora. "I want that violin."

"I'll go to-morrow, and see if it has been destroyed."

"Destroyed! Oh, Aunt Margaret! Would any one dare?"

"I hardly think so. It was a good instrument. He played it like a
master."

"Tell me!" breathed Elnora.

"His hair was red and curled more than yours, and his eyes were blue.
He was tall, slim, and the very imp of mischief. He joked and teased all
day until he picked up that violin. Then his head bent over it, and his
eyes got big and earnest. He seemed to listen as if he first heard the
notes, and then copied them. Sometimes he drew the bow trembly, like
he wasn't sure it was right, and he might have to try again. He could
almost drive you crazy when he wanted to, and no man that ever lived
could make you dance as he could. He made it all up as he went. He
seemed to listen for his dancing music, too. It appeared to come to him;
he'd begin to play and you had to keep time. You couldn't be still; he
loved to sweep a crowd around with that bow of his. I think it was the
thing you call inspiration. I can see him now, his handsome head
bent, his cheeks red, his eyes snapping, and that bow going across the
strings, and driving us like sheep. He always kept his body swinging,
and he loved to play. He often slighted his work shamefully, and
sometimes her a little; that is why she hated it--Elnora, what are you
making me do?"

The tears were rolling down Elnora's cheeks. "Oh, Aunt Margaret," she
sobbed. "Why haven't you told me about him sooner? I feel as if you had
given my father to me living, so that I could touch him. I can see him,
too! Why didn't you ever tell me before? Go on! Go on!"

"I can't, Elnora! I'm scared silly. I never meant to say anything. If I
hadn't promised her not to talk of him to you she wouldn't have let you
come here. She made me swear it."

"But why? Why? Was he a shame? Was he disgraced?"

"Maybe it was that unjust feeling that took possession of her when
she couldn't help him from the swamp. She had to blame some one,