To those cling, Simon, for your name's sake and for my credit, who taught you." "True, sir," said I in perfunctory acknowledgment, but with errant thoughts.

"I trust, sir, that I shall always bear myself as becomes a gentleman." "And a Christian," he added mildly.
"Ay, sir, and a Christian," I agreed readily enough.
"Go your way," he said, with a little smile.

"I preach to ears that are full now of other and louder sounds, of strains more attractive and melodies more alluring.

Therefore, now, you cannot listen; nay, I know that, if you could, you would.

Yet it may be that some day--if it be God's will, soon--the strings that I feebly strike may sound loud and clear, so that you must hear, however sweetly that other music charms your senses.