It was most sweet and innocent to see.

And withal so entirely unconscious that any one could possibly be observing her.
I confess that I sat often and conned my book by the window, long after I knew my portion by heart, in order to watch her deft fingers upon the dulcimer sticks and the play of her dimples.

But on my part also this was in all innocence and wholly thoughtless of guile.
Then would I be taken with a spasm of desire to play upon the recorders or the Bavarian single flute, and would pester my father to let me learn.
Now I never had any more ear for music than a deal board that has knot-holes in it.

I had ears indeed.

But the clatter of the mill-wheel and the lapper of water on the stones of the shore were ever better music to me than singing or playing upon instruments.