Its execution is so fine that I should recommend you to use a magnifying-glass for its examination." So he ran on, finding from moment to moment some new beauties to admire.
My brother was at first anxious lest Mr.Smart should ask him whence so extraordinary an instrument came, but he saw that the expert had already jumped to a conclusion in the matter.

He knew that John had recently come of age, and evidently supposed that he had found the violin among the heirlooms of Worth Maltravers.

John allowed Mr.Smart to continue in this misconception, merely saying that he had discovered the instrument in an old cupboard, where he had reason to think it had remained hidden for many years.
"Are there no records attached to so splendid an instrument ?" asked Mr.
Smart.

"I suppose it has been with your family a number of years.

Do you not know how it came into their possession ?" I believe this was the first occasion on which it had occurred to John to consider what right he had to the possession of the instrument.