But ever as she thought to get some insight into the movement of the man's mind, still would she be swept away on the storm of some change, seeming of mood incongruous.
At length came a little pause.

He wiped his forehead with a blue cotton handkerchief, and seemed ready to begin again.

Mary interrupted him with the question: "Will you please tell me whose music you have been playing ?" He opened his eyes, which had remained closed even while he stood motionless, and, with a smile sweeter than any she had ever seen on such a strong face, answered: "It's nobody's, miss." "Do you mean you have been extemporizing all this time ?" "I don't know exactly what that means." "You must have learned it from notes ?" "I couldn't read them if I had any to read," he answered.
"Then what an ear and what a memory you must have! How often have you heard it ?" "Just as often as I've played it, and no oftener.

Not being able to read, and seldom hearing any music I care for, I'm forced to be content with what runs out at my fingers when I shut my eyes.

It all comes of shutting my eyes.