If the expert had been enthusiastic on a former occasion, he was ten times more so on this.

He spoke in terms almost of rapture about the violin.

He had compared it with two magnificent instruments in the collection of the late Mr.James Loding, then the finest in Europe; and it was admittedly superior to either, both in the delicate markings of its wood and singularly fine varnish.
"Of its tone," he said, "we cannot, of course, yet pronounce with certainty, but I am very sure that its voice will not belie its splendid exterior.

It has been carefully opened, and is in a strangely perfect condition.

Several persons eminently qualified to judge unite with me in considering that it has been exceedingly little played upon, and admit that never has so intact an interior been seen.