``Perhaps the composition did not
call for its use,'' suggested Mildred,
unconscious of any other meaning in the
old man's observation, save praise for
her lover.

``Perhaps so, but the oddity
impressed me; it was a new string to me.
I have never seen one like it on a violin
before.''

``That can scarcely be, for I do not
remember of Signor Diotti telling me
there was anything unusual about his
violin.''

``I am sure it has a fifth string.''

``And I am equally sure the string
can be of no importance or Angelo
would have told me of it,'' Mildred
quickly rejoined.

``I recall a strange story of
Paganini,'' continued the old man,
apparently not noticing her interruption; ``he
became infatuated with a lady of high
rank, who was insensible of the admiration
he had for her beauty.