Dominie. Very curious! He must have been mistaken!
John S. But I always was devotedly fond of music. My father and my grandfather, on our estate, often used to play the organ for the organist in church, and the tenants always knew when they were playing. My father used often to tell that story at table. Ha, ha! It was very droll!
Dominie. Curious!
John S. Well, to return to my violin. I gave it up after a year, because it seemed rather scratchy to me, too.
Dominie. Curious! Probably your ear and your taste had become more cultivated.
John S. Afterwards, when I accepted an office, my wife said to me, "My dear, what a pity it is about your violin." So I had it restrung, and took a teacher. It seems as if it were only yesterday.
Dominie (casting down his eyes,—the servant brings ice). That was very curious!
John S. But the government horn-player thought he could not get on in duets with me.
Dominie. Curious! So you were obliged to play only solos? But to return to your daughter. Will you be good enough to play me something, Miss Lizzie?
Mrs. S. (condescendingly, in a low voice). She is a little timid and embarrassed at playing before your daughter Emma.