That evening he came to me in the salon , and expressed his thanks in the prettiest broken English I ever heard . So simple , frank , and grateful was he that a few words of interest won his little story from him , and in half an hour we were friends . With his fellow-students he had fought through the last outbreak , and suffered imprisonment and hardship rather than submit , had lost many friends , his fortune and his health , and at twenty , lonely , poor , and ill , was trying bravely to cure the malady which seemed fatal . ` If I recover myself of this affair in the chest , I teach the music to acquire my bread in this so hospitable country . At Paris , my friends , all two , find a refuge , and I go to them in spring if I die not here . Yes , it is solitary , and my memories are not gay , but I have my work , and the good God remains always to me , so I content myself with much hope , and I wait . ' Such genuine piety and courage increased my respect and regard immensely , and a few minutes later he added to both by one of the little acts that show character better than words . He told me about the massacre , when five hundred Poles were shot down by Cossacks in the market-place , merely because they sung their national hymn . ` Play me that forbidden air , ' I said , wishing to judge of his skill , for I had heard him practising softly in the afternoon . He rose willingly , then glanced about the room and gave a little shrug which made me ask what he wanted . ' I look to see if the Baron is here . He is Russian , and to him my national air will not be pleasing . ' ` Then play it . He dare not forbid it here , and I should rather enjoy that little insult to your bitter enemy , ' said I , feeling very indignant with everything Russian just then . ` Ah , mademoiselle , it is true we are enemies , but we are also gentlemen , ' returned the boy , proving that he at least was one . I thanked him for his lesson in politeness , and as the Baron was not there he played the beautiful hymn , singing it enthusiastically in spite of the danger to his weak lungs . A true musician evidently , for , as he sung his pale face glowed , his eyes shone , and his lost vigor seemed restored to him . From that evening we were fast friends ; for the memory of certain dear lads at home made my heart open to this lonely boy , who gave me in return the most grateful affection and service . He begged me to call him ` Varjo , ' as his mother did . He constituted himself my escort , errand-boy , French teacher , and private musician , making those weeks indefinitely pleasant by his winning ways , his charming little confidences , and faithful friendship .
We had much fun over our lessons , for I helped him about his XXXXX .
Baron Cossacks English Paris Poles Varjo errand-boy evening fellow-students weeks