see her better and
look into her eyes. A soul and a hand that could produce such music
could belong only to a person of more than ordinary beauty, so he
imagined. But he knew that if he ventured forth the charm would be
broken, and he would be looked upon as an intruder. No, it was better
for him to remain where he was that he might listen and adore unseen.

As he stood there and watched, the music suddenly ceased. He saw the
girl sitting on the ground rise to her feet, take the old man by the
hand, and lead him away. The musician alone remained, and with the
violin under her arm she leaned against the tree. Was she tired?
Douglas wondered. Why did she not go with the others? He was not left
long in doubt, however, for in a few minutes a man emerged from among
the trees and approached the waiting woman. Ah, she had remained to
meet her lover, and no doubt her music had been meant for him. Perhaps
he had been near at hand all the time, waiting a favourable opportunity
to speak to her. Was the old man her father who objected to her lover?
And was the young girl her sister who was in league with her? These
thoughts passed through Douglas' mind as he stood there. It did not
seem right that he should be watching these two, and yet there was
something which restrained him from going away at once. They did not
seem altogether like lovers, for the young woman had stepped back as
the man drew near, and kept retreating slightly whenever he approached
too close.

Douglas could not hear a word that was being said, but the strange
manner of the two interested him greatly. It was evident that they
were engaged in an earnest conversation, though the man seemed to be
doing most of the talking.

For some time the two stood near the old tree, while the shades of
night deepened over the land. At length, they moved away, walking side
by side, and soon disappeared among the trees. Douglas' interest was
much aroused and he felt that there was some mystery connected with
what he had witnessed. He longed to know something about the
violinist, where she had learned to play in such a remarkable manner,
and the reason of the strange compelling music.

Lost in such thoughts, he forgot all about his intended swim. He left
the old pine tree and slowly retraced his steps along the shore. It
was dark by the time he reached the house. He felt tired after his
day's work, and was glad to go at once to the little bedroom which Mrs