midnight
As he ceased speaking , fatigued by the unaccustomed effort , I heard low strains of music echoing through the silent halls around us . A violin ! The tone was deep and tremulous , gradually growing louder , filling the ear with its message , and lifting the mind to lofty heights of thought and passion . We both sat listening for hours , and midnight came before the last strain died away . That music was like a strange story that drops its plummet deep into life 's mysteries . `` A new song ! '' said my uncle , turning to me with surprise on his face .