Part 52 (2/2)
”And I shall be eternally grateful You see, as I told you before, there is a field of labor here for the lover of randest musical compositions that you have ever seen I will let you have the old hymns of the saints who lived when Constantinople was the only civilized spot in Europe, and the Christians there were hurling back the Mohas that you have ever seen”
”How--in Greek? You must teach me the alphabet then”
”No; I will translate them for you The Greek hymns are all in rhythmical prose, like the _Te Deu as well as the originals You will then enter into the mind and spirit of the ancient Eastern Church before the days of the schism
”Yes,” continued Despard, with an enthusiasether at this sweet task, and ill sing the [Greek: cath castaen aemeran], which holds the same place in the Greek Church that the _Te Deuether the Golden Canon of St John Da of 'Christ is risen' that ether with one feeling at the subli the 'Hys of St Cosory, St
Anatobus, and St Andrew of Crete shall inspire us; and the thoughts that have kindled the hearts of martyrs at the stake shall exalt our souls to heaven But I have more than this I have some compositions of ht way They are a collection of those hymns of the Primitive Church which are contained in the New Testament I have tried to set them to music They are: 'Worthy is the Lamb,' 'Unto Him that loved us,' 'Great and o together at this lofty and heavenly work, and I shall be able to gain a new interpretation from your sympathy”
Despard spoke with a vehement enthusiaslow over his pale face He looked like soht all his enthusiashtened, and her face also flushed with excitement
”Whenever you are ready to lead me into that neorld of music,” said she, ”I ain next Monday?”
”Yes All my time is my own”
”Then I will co for you By-the-way, are you engaged for to-night?”
”No; why?”
”There is going to be a fete cha for the Holby people to do; but I have to go to play the patroness Mr Thornton does not want to go Would you sacrifice yourself to my necessities, and allowto accept a cooling draught?” said Despard, eagerly ”You open heaven before me, and ask me if I will enter”
His voice treet yourself,” said Mrs Thornton, with slight agitation, looking away as she spoke
”I will be back at any hour you say”
”You will do no such thing Since you are here you o with o, youa whole hour”
”Well, if your will is not law to me what is? Speak, and your servant obeys To stay will only add toyou to stay”
Despard's face showed his feelings, and to judge by its expression his language had not been extravagant
The afternoon passed quietly Dinner was served up Thornton ca his wife to do the agreeable After dinner, as usual, he prepared for a nap, and Despard and Mrs Thornton started for the fete
It was to be in so the shore
The townspeople had recently formed a park there, and this was one of the preli with innumerable lamps of varied colors There were bands of ay festoons, and wreaths of flowers, and every thing that is usual at such a ti, Despard assisted Mrs Thornton froe and offered his arhtly on it that its touch was scarce perceptible They walked around through the illuminated paths Great crowds of people were there All looked with respectful pleasure at Mrs Thornton and the Rector