human
Child--
gpt
I didn't know--anyone was here,
human
I was just playing--what the fairies put in my fingers,
gpt
They are fairy fingers indeed, laughed Mrs. Lee.
human
Let us sit down here together and you must tell me all about it. Who taught you to play like that, child?
gpt
No one--like that. Madame Henri always gave me lessons. They were very stupid and I hated having to practice. But every evening, when we'd sit together, I'd play to Daddy the music that came into my fingers. Sometimes he'd stand by the piano until I was finished and then he'd kiss my fingers and say 'fairy fingers', only Tante used to snore so loudly, poor thing.
human
And you love music?
gpt
Oh--most of anything in the world. Sometimes Daddy would take me to the big opera house to hear music and it seemed, when I heard it, as though I was floating right away. Then we'd go home and I'd make up more music and tell them a story on the piano and sometimes Daddy could guess the story almost. Tante used to shake her head and Daddy would say, 'Leave her alone--she knows more than we do.' I don't know what he meant, but some day I shall study hard and try to be a great musician. Daddy said--I should--only he said I must wait until my body grew as strong as my spirit.
human
Keineth, my dear, do you know what a precious trust has been given you? God gives to some of His children great gifts--they are in trust for Him! You must care for it and guard it and keep it and see that it is bestowed generously upon many! Music is one of the most precious things in this world--and to create it is a great power!
gpt
How your mother would have loved to hear what these fingers can do! She had a nature that was like a song in its sweetness. But your father is right; before all else you must build up this little body of yours!
human
What did he mean, Aunt Nellie?
gpt
He wants you to run and play games and grow strong. And you must not be discouraged and unhappy if you can't keep up just yet with Peggy and Billy and the others. Remember, while they've been racing their legs off you've been doing other things. If Peggy _can_ beat you at tennis, you just ask her to play one of her pieces for you! Poor Peg, her fingers are all thumbs! Everything evens up in this funny world, child.
human
You're so wonderful, Aunt Nellie! I did fed as if Peggy didn't like me because I couldn't do things as well as she can, but if she'll help me learn to swim real well and beat Billy just once at tennis, I'll help her with her music!
gpt
A fine idea, Keineth! And then sometimes, when Peggy perhaps wants to do something that you don't care about, I will help you write down the music you play. Some day we will surprise them all--you and I will have a secret!
human
Oh, I have wished I could! It'll be such fun! I'll send it to my father! You _are_ wonderful, Aunt Nellie.
gpt
Remember, now! No discouraged heart because you can't get a ball over the net or stand on your head in the water!