thought himself good-looking and aspired to be a beau? For this
reason he had often wished that he possessed Philip's accomplishment
of being able to play upon the violin.

His conversational powers were rather limited, and he felt at a loss
when he undertook to make himself fascinating to the young ladies in
the village. If he could only play on the violin like Philip he
thought he would be irresistible.

He had therefore conceived the design of buying Philip's instrument
for a trifle, judging that our hero would feel compelled to sell it.

The reader will now understand the object which led to Nick's call
so soon after the funeral of Mr. Gray. He was afraid some one else
might forestall him in gaining possession of the coveted instrument.

When Philip saw who his visitor was, he was not overjoyed. It was
with reluctance that he rose and gave admission to Nick.

"I thought I would call around and see you, Phil," said Nick, as he
sat down in the most comfortable chair in the room.

"Thank you," responded Phil coldly.

"The old man went off mighty sudden," continued Nicholas, with
characteristic delicacy.

"Do you mean my father?" inquired Philip.

"Of course I do. There ain't any one else dead, is there!"