So he took him in hand, and taught him the meaning of his work, and why it was especially given him to do; and that man's life became 'one grand sweet song.' But there are tears in your eyes, dear! What have I said to grieve you ?" And she caressed me tenderly.

The tears were indeed thick in my eyes, and a minute or two elapsed before I could master them.

At last I raised my head and endeavoured to smile.
"They are not sad tears, Zara," I said; "I think they come from a strong desire I have to be what you are, what your brother is, what that dead musician must have been.

Why, I have longed, and do long for fame, for wealth, for the world's applause, for all the things which you seem to think so petty and mean.

How can I help it?
Is not fame power?
Is not money a double power, strong to assist one's self and those one loves?
Is not the world's favour a necessary means to gain these things ?" Zara's eyes gleamed with a soft and pitying gentleness.
"Do you understand what you mean by power ?" she asked.