`` Was n't that fun ? '' cried Tommy , much impressed . `` No , it was horrid ; so cold in winter , and hot in summer . And I got tired ; and they were cross sometimes ; and I did n't get enough to eat . '' Nat paused to take a generous bite of gingerbread , as if to assure himself that the hard times were over ; and then he added regretfully : `` But I did love my little fiddle , and I miss it . Nicolo took it away when father died , and would n't have me any longer , 'cause I was sick . '' `` You 'll belong to the band if you play good . See if you do n't . '' `` Do you have a band here ? '' Nat 's eyes sparkled . `` Guess we do ; a jolly band , all boys ; and they have concerts and things . You just see what happens to-morrow night . '' After this pleasantly exciting remark , Tommy returned to his supper , and Nat sank into a blissful reverie over his full plate . Mrs. Bhaer had heard all they said , while apparently absorbed in filling mugs , and overseeing little Ted , who was so sleepy that he put his spoon in his eye , nodded like a rosy poppy , and finally fell fast asleep , with his cheek pillowed on a soft bun . Mrs. Bhaer had put Nat next to Tommy , because that roly-poly boy had a frank and social way with him , very attractive to shy persons . Nat felt this , and had made several small confidences during supper , which gave Mrs. Bhaer the key to the new boy 's character , better than if she had talked to him herself . In the letter which Mr. Laurence had sent with Nat , he had said : `` DEAR JO : Here is a case after your own heart . This poor lad is an orphan now , sick and friendless . He has been a street-musician ; and I found him in a cellar , mourning for his dead father , and his lost violin . I think there is something in him , and have a fancy that between us we may give this little man a lift .
You cure his overtasked body , Fritz help his neglected mind , and when he is ready I 'll XXXXX if he is a genius or only a boy with a talent which may earn his bread for him .
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