Yes , it is solitary , and my memories are not gay , but I have my work , and the good God remains always to me , so I content myself with much hope , and I wait . ' Such genuine piety and courage increased my respect and regard immensely , and a few minutes later he added to both by one of the little acts that show character better than words . He told me about the massacre , when five hundred Poles were shot down by Cossacks in the market-place , merely because they sung their national hymn . ` Play me that forbidden air , ' I said , wishing to judge of his skill , for I had heard him practising softly in the afternoon . He rose willingly , then glanced about the room and gave a little shrug which made me ask what he wanted . ' I look to see if the Baron is here . He is Russian , and to him my national air will not be pleasing . ' ` Then play it . He dare not forbid it here , and I should rather enjoy that little insult to your bitter enemy , ' said I , feeling very indignant with everything Russian just then . ` Ah , mademoiselle , it is true we are enemies , but we are also gentlemen , ' returned the boy , proving that he at least was one . I thanked him for his lesson in politeness , and as the Baron was not there he played the beautiful hymn , singing it enthusiastically in spite of the danger to his weak lungs . A true musician evidently , for , as he sung his pale face glowed , his eyes shone , and his lost vigor seemed restored to him . From that evening we were fast friends ; for the memory of certain dear lads at home made my heart open to this lonely boy , who gave me in return the most grateful affection and service . He begged me to call him ` Varjo , ' as his mother did . He constituted himself my escort , errand-boy , French teacher , and private musician , making those weeks indefinitely pleasant by his winning ways , his charming little confidences , and faithful friendship . We had much fun over our lessons , for I helped him about his English . With a great interest in free America , and an intense longing to hear about our war , the barrier of an unknown tongue did not long stand between us . Beginning with my bad French and his broken English , we got on capitally ; but he outdid me entirely , making astonishing progress , though he often slapped his forehead with the despairing exclamation , -- ' I am imbecile ! I never can will shall to have learn this beast of English ! ' But he did , and in a month had added a new language to the five he already possessed .
His music was the delight of the house ; and he often XXXXX us little concerts with the help of Madame Teiblin , a German St. Cecilia , with a cropped head and a gentlemanly sack , cravat , and collar .
ask forbidden gave learn possessed practising proving returned show slapped