My brother was moved by his obvious wish to renew their former friendship, and grasped the proffered hand.
There was a minute's pause, and then the conversation was resumed, a little stiffly at first, but more freely afterwards.

They spoke on many indifferent subjects, and Mr.Gaskell congratulated John on the prospect of his marriage, of which he had heard.

As he at length rose up to take his departure, he said, "You must have practised the violin diligently of late, for I never knew anyone make so rapid progress with it as you have done.

As I came along I was spellbound by your music.

I never before heard you bring from the instrument so exquisite a tone: the chorded passages were so powerful that I believed there had been another person playing with you.