But I do not promise you that I shall sell it." "Ah!" Hawksley stretched out his hands to receive the instrument.
Of course Cutty had heard of Amati and Stradivari, master and pupil.

He knew that all famous violinists possessed instruments of these schools, and that such violins were practically beyond the reach of many.

Only through some great artist's death or misfortune did a fine violin return to the marts.

But the rejected fiddles had sounded musically enough for him and looked as if they were well up in the society of select fiddles.
The fiddle Hawksley now held in his hands was dull, almost black.

The maple neck was worn to a shabby gray and the varnish had been sweated off the chin rest.
Hawksley laid his fingers on the strings and drew the bow with a powerful flourishing sweep.