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"One day, when the sun shone on the red leaves that strewed the

ground and diffused cheerfulness, although it denied warmth,

Safie, Agatha, and Felix departed on a long country walk, and the

old man, at his own desire, was left alone in the cottage. When

his children had departed, he took up his guitar and played

several mournful but sweet airs, more sweet and mournful than I

had ever heard him play before. At first his countenance was

illuminated with pleasure, but as he continued, thoughtfulness

and sadness succeeded; at length, laying aside the instrument, he

sat absorbed in reflection.