Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/61

 to the rapid interchange of new methods of play between widely separated localities. In this case Ialma, aided by Reva, her cousin and prospective sister, said to be an enthusiastic player, had gained one game, and Olav a second. Now the deciding game was in progress, Olav seeming to have a decided advantage. Reva was greatly mortified at the prospect of impending defeat. Just because she greatly admired her brother, she had enjoyed that first triumph. These details Ialma communicated to me in her animated way, coupled with an entreaty to render what assistance I could.

"I would show you the record now," she continued, "but we are about to have some music."

Ulmene had already seated herself before a sort of desk, on whose slope were several rows of small keys. somewhat resembling those of a concertina. The slightest touch on one of these produced a note, the strength of which, as regulated by pedals, could be made to vary from a tone barely audible to the most powerful. Some series of notes were produced by the impact of hammers on stretched strings, as in the piano, or on metallic plates or small bells. The sweetest tones of all came from reeds, the mechanism and tuning of which had been brought to such perfection, that their tones rivalled those of a violín in the hands of a master.

On this instrument Ulmene, whose special talent was music, began an improvisation. Slowly at first, and in simple style, she played a music whose beauty depended chiefly on melody. Gradually, as the inspiration came on, the theme became more involved, till it culminated in the grandest and most complicated combinations of har-