Doubtful, because from its long hovering
over scenes of violence, the smoke and steam of death have clogged the
keys of that brave instrument; and it is not always that its notes are
either true or tuneful.
'It's a proof of the kindness of human nature,' said Tom,
characteristically putting himself quite out of sight in the matter,
'that everybody who comes here, as you have done, is more considerate
and affectionate to me than I should have any right to hope, if I were
the most sanguine creature in the world; or should have any power to
express, if I were the most eloquent. It really overpowers me. But trust
me,' said Tom, 'that I am not ungrateful--that I never forget--and that
if I can ever prove the truth of my words to you, I will.'
'That's all right,' observed Martin, leaning back in his chair with a
hand in each pocket, and yawning drearily. 'Very fine talking, Tom;
but I'm at Pecksniff's, I remember, and perhaps a mile or so out of the
high-road to fortune just at this minute. So you've heard again this
morning from what's his name, eh?'
'Who may that be?' asked Tom, seeming to enter a mild protest on behalf
of the dignity of an absent person.
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