Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/339

 very voice and accent of the great masters of vocal expression. The effective rendering of the finest passages of literature had become a branch of the fine arts. To this, those possessing the requisite natural endowments devoted themselves with an ardor commensurate with the reputation to be acquired by a noble rendering of a well-known passage, a fame second only, and sometimes not second, to that of the author interpreted. Such a rendering of a favorite author could, according to the mood of the hearer, be listened to reclining, or walking about the apartment, or, best of all, while engaged in some mechanical employment that leaves the mind free.

At the next station I was not disappointed in my expectation. A diuba addressed to me was placed on the train. Retired to the appropriate compartment, I drank in with greedy ears the tones that reached them with the cadence of sweetest music. Utis, Ulmene, and Ialma had already gone to Falo that afternoon. Reva and her father were to follow next morning.

"Ere this time to-morrow, Ialma and Olav shall have met,—and we too," was added in a soft whisper, that had all the sweetness of a kiss.

By this time to-morrow! Ah me!