He had shaken off the dismal forebodings he had felt some three or four days before, and at the request of a neighbour played a duet with Willie Ward.
This was the commencement of the musical portion of the entertainment.
A violin solo followed, after which Mr. Harker said his son gave promise of musical ability, since he had been complimented by the master of the choir to which he belonged. The lad was asked to give a specimen of his vocal powers, when after a little hesitation he sang the following:—
HOPE’S LIFE IS SHINING YET.
’Tis true that time may swiftly pass
And years as quickly fly,
And every hope that springs to birth
May wither, fade, and die.
And oh! ’tis true that all our dreams
May in life’s darkness set,