`` Take down that fiddle on the wall and play something for me , '' she said imperiously . `` I 'm dying -- and I 'm going to hell -- and I do n't want to think of it . Play me something to take my thoughts off it -- I do n't care what you play . I was always fond of music -- there was always something in it for me I never found anywhere else . '' Felix looked at his grandfather . The old man nodded , he felt too ashamed to speak ; he sat with his fine silver head in his hands , while Felix took down and tuned the old violin , on which so many godless lilts had been played in many a wild revel . Mr. Leonard felt that he had failed his religion . He could not give Naomi the help that was in it for her . Felix drew the bow softly , perplexedly over the strings . He had no idea what he should play . Then his eyes were caught and held by Naomi 's burning , mesmeric , blue gaze as she lay on her crumpled pillow . A strange , inspired look came over the boy 's face . He began to play as if it were not he who played , but some mightier power , of which he was but the passive instrument . Sweet and soft and wonderful was the music that stole through the room . Mr. Leonard forgot his heartbreak and listened to it in puzzled amazement . He had never heard anything like it before . How could the child play like that ? He looked at Naomi and marvelled at the change in her face . The fear and frenzy were going out of it ; she listened breathlessly , never taking her eyes from Felix . At the foot of the bed the idiot girl sat with tears on her cheeks .
In that strange music was the joy of the innocent , mirthful childhood , blent XXXXX the laughter of waves and the call of glad winds .
at in like of over that through to while with