[Illustration: _Musical Instruments_]
at which a young lady was trying the tones of a Guitar, while her
brother ran his lips over a Syrinx. Theodore told his father that he
should like to have one. "Your wish shall be gratified," replied Mr.
Durnford, "provided that you can tell me the origin of its being so
called."
"I think," said Theodore, "that the god Pan fell in love with a
nymph called Syrinx, in the train of Diana, who, when pursued by Pan
fled for refuge to the river Ladon, her father, who changed her into
a reed. Pan observing that the reeds, when agitated by the wind,
produced a pleasing sound, connected some of them together, and
formed them into a rural pipe, and named it Syrinx."
"Have the goodness to hand me over that Syrinx," said Mr. Durnford,
"this young gentleman has won it, by being able to account for the
cause of its bearing that name." He now presented it to his delighted
son, who received it with a double pleasure, as it was accompanied by
the praise of his beloved father, and the smiles of his equally beloved
mother. A couple of Tambourines were ordered to be sent home for Maria
and Emily, and a triangle for Caroline, and they next proceeded to the