"Sir, I am very poor, and have not a guinea, but I shall have enough in time, if you will let me buy one with the money I have brought, and pay the rest by degrees." I shall never forget the way he laid his hand on my shoulder and turned me to the light,--to scrutinize my developments, I suspect; for he stayed a moment or two before he answered, "I do think you look as if you really wanted one, but I am afraid they will not understand such an arrangement here." "I _must_ go to the festival," I returned, looking into his eyes, "I am so resolved to go; I will knock the door down if I cannot get a ticket. Oh! I will sell my clothes, I will do anything. If you will get me a ticket, sir, I will promise to pay you, and you can come and ask my mother whether I ever break my word." "I am sure you always keep it, or you would not love music so earnestly; for you are very young to be so earnest," he responded, still holding me by the arm, that thrilled beneath his kindly pressure. "Will you go a little walk with me, and then I can better understand you or what you want to do?" "I won't go till I have got my ticket." "You _cannot_ get a ticket, my poor boy; they are not so easily disposed of. Why not ask your mother?" "My sister as good as did; but my mother said it was too expensive." "Did your mamma know how very much you wished it?" "We do not say mamma, she does not like it; she likes 'liebe Mutter.'" "Ah! she is German. Perhaps she would allow you to go, if you told her your great desire." "No, sir; she told Lydia that it would put her out of pocket." My new friend smiled at this. "Now, just come outside; we are in the way of many people here, and I have done my business since I saw that gentleman I was talking to when you crept so near me." "Did you know I wanted to come close to you, sir?" "Oh, yes! and that you wanted to speak. I know the little violin face." These words transported me. "Oh! do you think I am like a violin? I wish I were one going to the festival." "Alas! in that sense you are not one, I fear." I burst into tears; but I was very angry with myself, and noiselessly put my whole face into my handkerchief as we moved to the door. Once out in the street, the wind speedily dried these dews of my youth, and I ventured to take my companion's hand. He glanced down at mine as it passed itself into his, and I could see that he was examining it. I had very pretty hands and nails,--they were my only handsome point; my mother was very vain of them. I have found this out since I have grown up. "My dear little boy, I am going to do a very daring thing." "What is that, sir?" "I am going to run away with you; I am going to take you to my little house, for I have thought of something I can only say to you in a room. But if you will tell me your name, I will carry you safe home afterwards, and explain everything to the 'liebe Mutter.'"