Her natural talent was every bit as remarkable as her mother Nora''s—perhaps even more so.


    The piece she yed, *Moonlight*, was notoriously difficult. It was a staple inpetitions-many could perform it, but few could truly move their audience with


    it.


    Over the years, no matter who tried their hand at *Moonlight*, there always seemed to be something missing, a certain subtlety that set the original apart. Yet Ste''s performance was astonishingly close to capturing that very essence.


    Mr. Walden found himself genuinely surprised.


    Oblivious to Mr. Walden''s reaction, Mr. Burton chuckled and asked, "Walden, you know I''m no expert when ites to music. Tell me, what do you think of this girl''s violin ying?"


    Mr. Walden snapped out of his thoughts. "She''s impressive-undeniably talented, and skilled too."


    Mr. Burton pressed further. "And how does shepare to your star pupil, Rachel?"


    Mr. Walden hesitated, immediately sensing Mr. Burton''s intention. He''d known the man long enough to read between the lines.


    "Mr. Burton, is this the musical prodigy you wanted to introduce me to?"


    But Mr. Burton only smiled, teasing, "There was the girl at the piano, the boy with the violin, and the younger child on violin as well. All three have talent. Why are you so sure I meant her?"


    Mr. Walden gave a resigned smile. "Is this about taking on a new student? Did shee to youining because I turned her down?"


    Mr. Burton raised his eyebrows, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Comining? Walden, you''ve always been fair and impartial. Why make a snap judgment about someone you hardly know? That''s never been your way. Unless someone''s been whispering in your ear?"


    Walden assumed Ste must have somehow crossed paths with Mr. Burton and asked him to intervene on her behalf. His expression soured slightly.


    In his early days, he''d ced great importance on natural talent when choosing students. But he''d also learned that character mattered just as much. He''d met plenty of ambitious young people desperate for an opportunity, and even if he didn''t ept them as students, he''d usually offer them guidance or help out of respect for their sincerity.


    Ste, when he''d refused her before, had handled it with grace, leaving him with a rather good impression. But now, seeing her turn to Mr. Burton, Mr. Walden couldn''t help but question her motives.


    He''d heard she came from a modest background. Was she trying to use him to elevate her status, polish her reputation, andnd herself a good marriage?


    After a pause, Mr. Walden spoke. “I''ve already announced I won''t be taking on any more students. If I go back on my word now—"


    Before he could finish, Mr. Burton interrupted him with a heartyugh. "Walden, this girl''s my apprentice now, so don''t get any ideas about recruiting her for yourself."


    Mr. Walden stared at him, stunned. "What?"


    Mr. Burton stroked his snowy beard and continued, "She''s my student now. I invited you to enjoy the music, not to scout my apprentice.”


    Mr. Walden could hardly believe it. "You took her on? But isn''t she a violinist? You''re a physician-"


    Mr. Burton shot him a look, cutting


    him off. "And who says a doctor


    can''t mentor a musician? This girl


    lis


    kind, talented, and has character. Not only am I taking her as my student, I''m considering her for my granddaughter-inw!"


    Kindness? Walden thought. That can be faked. And as for talent... How could someone with only a middle school education be considered exceptional?


    But Mr. Walden wasn''t one to speak ill of others behind their backs. Seeing how highly Mr. Burton valued her, he simply smiled politely and said nothing more.