`` Felix , I forgive you , but I ask you to promise me , here and now , that you will never again , as long as you live , touch a violin . '' Dusky crimson rushed madly over the boy 's face . He gave a cry as if he had been lashed with a whip . Old Abel sprang to his feet . `` Do n't you ask such a promise of him , Mr. Leonard , '' he cried furiously . `` It 's a sin , that 's what it is . Man , man , what blinds you ? You ARE blind . Ca n't you see what is in the boy ? His soul is full of music . It 'll torture him to death -- or to worse -- if you do n't let it have way . '' `` There is a devil in such music , '' said Mr. Leonard hotly . `` Ay , there may be , but do n't forget that there 's a Christ in it , too , '' retorted old Abel in a low tense tone . Mr. Leonard looked shocked ; he considered that old Abel had uttered blasphemy . He turned away from him rebukingly . `` Felix , promise me . '' There was no relenting in his face or tone . He was merciless in the use of the power he possessed over that young , loving spirit . Felix understood that there was no escape ; but his lips were very white as he said , `` I promise , grandfather . '' Mr. Leonard drew a long breath of relief .
He knew XXXXX promise would be kept .
Leonard as from if in of over that to torture