“This one is several hundred years old. It has been in the family for ever so long. The story goes with it 28 that the member of our family who owns it will attain much wealth during his life, but will lose it again if he doesn’t pass it on when he is at the very height of his prosperity. My father says it has always proved true, and he is hoping for the day when its promise will be fulfilled in his case, for he longs for wealth and all it brings; and he has striven all his life to get it.”
“I hope that he has his wish and is able to tell when he gets to the highest point of his success, so that he may get rid of the violin in time.”
Eileen smiled.
“Daddy says that has been the trouble with our forefathers, who always got wealthy but never seemed to be able to hold it when they got it. That is my daddy over there.”
She pointed to framed picture on the wall.
“He is big and brawny, and not afraid of anybody. He is––oh, so good. He is the best in all the world.”
The young man gazed at her as she expressed her admiration.
“He isn’t here to-night?” he remarked.
Eileen turned her eyes on him sharply, as if she had sensed something of a suspicious nature in his query. But she shook the thought from her and laid her mind bare.
“No!––daddy was called away this afternoon. He won’t be back until to-morrow, noon.