He undid his instrument carefully, tuned its strings tenderly, and soon found that his former facility, such as it was, had not ebbed away beyond recovery.

Hastening back as he came, he was just in time for his dinner, and narrowly escaped encountering Betty in the transe.

He had been tempted to leave the instrument, but no one could tell what might happen, and to doubt would be to be miserable with anxiety.
He did the same for several days without interruption--not, however, without observation.

When, returning from his fourth visit, he opened the door between the gardens, he started back in dismay, for there stood the beautiful lady.
Robert hesitated for a moment whether to fly or speak.

He was a Lowland country boy, and therefore rude of speech, but he was three parts a Celt, and those who know the address of the Irish or of the Highlanders, know how much that involves as to manners and bearing.