`` I do n't know . But I play differently to different people . I do n't know how that is . When I 'm alone with you I have to play one way ; and when Janet comes over here to listen I feel quite another way -- not so thrilling , but happier and lonelier . And that day when Jessie Blair was here listening I felt as if I wanted to laugh and sing -- as if the violin wanted to laugh and sing all the time . '' The strange , golden gleam flashed through old Abel 's sunken eyes . `` God , '' he muttered under his breath , `` I believe the boy can get into other folk 's souls somehow , and play out what HIS soul sees there . '' `` What 's that you say ? '' inquired Felix , petting his fiddle . `` Nothing -- never mind -- go on . Something lively now , young Felix . Stop probing into my soul , where you have n't no business to be , you infant , and play me something out of your own -- something sweet and happy and pure . '' `` I 'll play the way I feel on sunshiny mornings , when the birds are singing and I forget I have to be a minister , '' said Felix simply . A witching , gurgling , mirthful strain , like mingled bird and brook song , floated out on the still air , along the path where the red and golden maple leaves were falling very softly , one by one . The Reverend Stephen Leonard heard it , as he came along the way , and the Reverend Stephen Leonard smiled . Now , when Stephen Leonard smiled , children ran to him , and grown people felt as if they looked from Pisgah over to some fair land of promise beyond the fret and worry of their care-dimmed earthly lives . Mr. Leonard loved music , as he loved all things beautiful , whether in the material or the spiritual world , though he did not realize how much he loved them for their beauty alone , or he would have been shocked and remorseful . He himself was beautiful . His figure was erect and youthful , despite seventy years . His face was as mobile and charming as a woman 's , yet with all a man 's tried strength and firmness in it , and his dark blue eyes flashed with the brilliance of one and twenty ; even his silken silvery hair could not make an old man of him .
He was worshipped by everyone who knew him , and he was , in so far XXXXX mortal man may be , worthy of that worship .
along as by into like on over that through with