“Well, schoolmaster, you never heard nothin’ like that violin.  It isn’t no evil spirit that is in Gretchen’s violin; it’s an angel.  I first noticed it one day when husband and I had been havin’ some words.  We have words sometimes.  I have a lively mind, and know how to use words when I am opposed.  Well, one day when husband and I had been havin’ words, which we shouldn’t, seein’ we are Methody, Gretchen began to cry, and went and got her violin, and began to play just like a bird.  And my high temper all melted away, and my mind went back to the old farm in New England, and I declare, schoolmaster, I just threw my apron over my head and began to cry, and I told Gretchen never to play that tune again when I was talking to husband for his good.

“Well, one day there came a lot of Injuns to the house and demanded fire-water.  I am Methody, and don’t keep any such things in the house.  Husband is a sober, honest man.  Now, I’ve always noticed that an Injun is a coward, and I think the best way to get along with Injuns is to appear not to fear them.  So I ordered the stragglers away, when one of them swung his tommyhawk about my head, and the others threatened to kill me.  How my heart did beat!  Gretchen began to cry; then she ran all at once for her violin and played the very same tune, and the Injuns just stood like so many dumb statues and listened, and, when the tune was over, one of them said ‘Spirits,’ and they all went away like so many children.

“Now, I thought you would like to hear my gal play between schools, and, if ever you should get into any trouble with your scholars or Injuns or anybody, just call upon Gretchen, and she will play that tune on the violin.”

“What wonderful tune is it, madam?”

“I don’t know.  I don’t know one tune from another, though I do sing the old Methody hymns that I learned in Lynn when I am about my work.  I don’t know whether she knows or not.  She learned it of a German.”

“I am glad that you let her bring the instrument.  I once played the violin myself in the orchestra of the Boston Handel and Haydn Society.”

“Did you?  Then you like it.  I have a word or two more to say about Gretchen.  She’s a good gal, and shows her bringing up.  Teach her reading, writing, and figures.  You needn’t teach her no grammar.  I could always talk without any grammar, in the natural way.  I was a bound-girl, and never had much education.  I have had my ups and downs in life, like all the rest of the world.  You will do the best you can for Gretchen, won’t you?”

“Yes, my dear madam, and for every one.  I try to make every one true to the best that is in them.  I am glad to have Gretchen for a scholar.  I will speak to her by and by.”