This poor lad is an orphan now , sick and friendless . He has been a street-musician ; and I found him in a cellar , mourning for his dead father , and his lost violin . I think there is something in him , and have a fancy that between us we may give this little man a lift . You cure his overtasked body , Fritz help his neglected mind , and when he is ready I 'll see if he is a genius or only a boy with a talent which may earn his bread for him . Give him a trial , for the sake of your own boy , `` TEDDY . '' `` Of course we will ! '' cried Mrs. Bhaer , as she read the letter ; and when she saw Nat she felt at once that , whether he was a genius or not , here was a lonely , sick boy who needed just what she loved to give , a home and motherly care . Both she and Mr. Bhaer observed him quietly ; and in spite of ragged clothes , awkward manners , and a dirty face , they saw much about Nat that pleased them . He was a thin , pale boy , of twelve , with blue eyes , and a good forehead under the rough , neglected hair ; an anxious , scared face , at times , as if he expected hard words , or blows ; and a sensitive mouth that trembled when a kind glance fell on him ; while a gentle speech called up a look of gratitude , very sweet to see . `` Bless the poor dear , he shall fiddle all day long if he likes , '' said Mrs. Bhaer to herself , as she saw the eager , happy expression on his face when Tommy talked of the band . So , after supper , when the lads flocked into the schoolroom for more `` high jinks , '' Mrs. Jo appeared with a violin in her hand , and after a word with her husband , went to Nat , who sat in a corner watching the scene with intense interest . `` Now , my lad , give us a little tune . We want a violin in our band , and I think you will do it nicely . '' She expected that he would hesitate ; but he seized the old fiddle at once , and handled it with such loving care , it was plain to see that music was his passion . `` I 'll do the best I can , ma'am , '' was all he said ; and then drew the bow across the strings , as if eager to hear the dear notes again . There was a great clatter in the room , but as if deaf to any sounds but those he made , Nat played softly to himself , forgetting every thing in his delight . It was only a simple Negro melody , such as street-musicians play , but it caught the ears of the boys at once , and silenced them , till they stood listening with surprise and pleasure . Gradually they got nearer and nearer , and Mr. Bhaer came up to watch the boy ; for , as if he was in his element now , Nat played away and never minded any one , while his eyes shone , his cheeks reddened , and his thin fingers flew , as he hugged the old fiddle and made it speak to all their hearts the language that he loved . A hearty round of applause rewarded him better than a shower of pennies , when he stopped and glanced about him , as if to say : `` I 've done my best ; please like it . '' `` I say , you do that first rate , '' cried Tommy , who considered Nat his protege .
`` You shall be the XXXXX fiddle in my band , '' added Franz , with an approving smile .
Bhaer Fritz Jo Nat Negro Tommy day first jinks street-musicians