Zijn viool

Summary

Boris, a village musician, wins the first prize at the Royal Academy of Music. One day he receives an invitation from the Duchess of Montjoie to attend her soirée. The Duchess is so delighted with his musical talent that she presents him with an old Stradivarius violin. Some time later Boris leaves his mother for a short stay on the Duchess's estate, where Ramus, the forester, and his daughter Elsa give him a warm welcome. Boris falls in love with Elsa. Receiving news that his mother is sick, Boris returns to his village. Before leaving, he asks Elsa to take care of his valuable violin. One night a storm breaks out and fires the forester's house. Elsa's thoughts are only of the precious instrument she has promised to guard. She rushes to her room and, after taking hold of the violin, finds that escape is impossible. She is, however, saved by her sister's sweetheart and the firemen and taken to the castle of the Duchess. She sends for Boris and asks him to play to her before she dies.