Hearing a gush of music such as never heard before,

Steals from her mother’s chamber and peeps at the open door.[[6]]

Just as the “Jubilate” in threaded whisper dies,

“Open it! open it, lady!” the little maiden cries.

(For she thought ’twas a singing creature caged in a box she heard);

“Open it! open it, lady! and let me see the bird!”[[7]]

TABLEAUX.

[1]. Sitting-room. Piano at right. Piano box just opened, in background at left. Center-table has books and papers.

[2]. Several children crowding about the instrument in attitudes of eager inspection. Parents a little in background.

[3]. Boy and girl in foreground, crowding and pushing.