Page:The Way of a Virgin.djvu/56

Rh "Pierre," said she, "dost play no more with thine implement?"

"No—'tis used up," quoth Pierre.

"'Tis a pity," said the girl. "Why is it not more solid? Would it cost much to have another?"

"Yea—at least three or four hundred francs."

"I myself have not that sum; but I know where my father keepeth his money, and on the morrow I will give thee the wherewithal to procure another. What dost thou call it?"

"'This called an 'instrument'," quoth Pierre.

In the morning the girl, taking her father's money, gave it to the apprentice, who hied him to the town and made pretence of buying another instrument; and when night came, he played on his instrument to the infinite satisfaction of the girl.

On the morrow the apprentice received a letter, wherein he learned that his mother lay ill and desired to see him. He started on his journey forthwith. Anon the girl appeared and not seeing the apprentice, inquired:

"Where is Pierre?"

And they answered her that he was gone and would return no more. Whereat she sped after him, and when she pereceived him afar off, cried out:

"Pierre! Pierre! At least leave me the instrument!"