She hastened to her aunt, to relate all that had befallen her, and
called her to behold the lute as a testimonial of the reality of her
story. If the good lady had any lingering doubts, they were removed
when Jacinta touched the instrument, for she drew forth such ravishing
tones as to thaw even the frigid bosom of the immaculate Fredegonda,
that region of eternal winter, into a genial flow. Nothing but
supernatural melody could have produced such an effect.
The extraordinary power of the lute became every day more and more
apparent. The wayfarer passing by the tower was detained, and, as it
were, spell-bound, in breathless ecstasy. The very birds gathered in
the neighboring trees, and hushing their own strains, listened in
charmed silence.
Rumor soon spread the news abroad. The inhabitants of Granada
thronged to the Alhambra to catch a few notes of the transcendent
music that floated about the Tower of Las Infantas.
The lovely little minstrel was at length drawn forth from her
retreat. The rich and powerful of the land contended who should
entertain and do honor to her; or rather, who should secure the charms
of her lute to draw fashionable throngs to their saloons. Wherever she
went her vigilant aunt kept a dragon watch at her elbow, awing the
throngs of impassioned admirers, who hung in raptures on her
strains. The report of her wonderful powers spread from city to
city.
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