The occupants of the room were loud in their praises, and the general impression seemed to be that Peace’s pupil was a prodigy. Without going so far as this, it must be admitted that she was possessed of considerable ability, and her master was very proud of her.
She was the daughter of a poor operative; Peace therefore gave her lessons gratuitously. He had an eye to business, however, and very shortly after this he took her with him to public-houses where she sang and played duets with her master.
“And who has taught you to play so beautifully?” said one of our hero’s visitors, addressing herself to the child.
“Mr. Peace; I never had any other master,” she answered.
“Ah, but you don’t know half her accomplishments. She sings like a nightingale. Now, dear, let the gentleman hear you sing. Let’s have the ‘Life Clock.’ Come, don’t be bashful.”
After some hesitation the child commenced, Peace playing a violin accompaniment. The words were as follows—
There is a little mystic clock,
No human eye hath seen,
That beateth on and beateth on,
From morning until e’en.