Then for the first time both Pine and Maple felt certain that this was really their Camilla.
The curtain rose, the manager stepped to the front and in a few words explained the accident, and stated that a new and untried violin must be used.
“Let us lay aside all discord, and act in perfect harmony to-night,” said the forgiving Maple.
“I’ll do it,” answered Pine, more cheerfully than he had ever spoken before.
Pine and Maple beat and throbbed under the wonderful strokes and long-drawn sweeps of the bow. When the piece was finished a storm of applause burst upon them like a tempest. Again the curtain went up and the violin found itself in the glare of the footlights once more. This time the performer touched the strings gently, and played a tune that many people who had come to the store had tried to play, the words to the first line being, “Way down upon de Suwanee Ribber.”
When it was finished the people were silent, and tears glistened in many eyes.
“Maple, forgive me,” said the now humble Pine. “I’ve learned a great lesson, though a very simple one. The best results in life are accomplished through harmony and not through discord.”
“We’ll live in harmony hereafter,” said Maple.
The great soul of the artist had breathed into the instrument and made it glorious.