I believe
he is interested enough to work. I think his mother will be delighted on
her return to find him working at what she so enjoys. Does the proposition
interest you?"
"Deeply!" cried the Professor. "Matters musical are extremely dull here
now, and I can't make my usual trip abroad on account of the war; I should
be delighted to take up this new subject, which I could make serve me in
many ways with my advanced Conservatory pupils."
"May I make a suggestion?" asked Mr. Minturn.
"Most assuredly," exclaimed the Professor.
"You noticed I began by admitting I didn't know a thing about it, so I'll
not be at all offended if you indorse the statement. My boys are large,
and old for the beginning they must make. I have to go carefully to find
what they care for and will work at; so that I get them started without
making them feel confined and forced, and so conceive a dislike for the
study to which I think them best adapted. Would you find the idea of going
to the country, putting a tuned violin in the hands of the lad, and
letting him search for the notes he hears, and then playing the composers'
selections to him, and giving his ear a chance, at all feasible?"
"It's a reversal, but he could try it.
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