key-harp

The key-harp on the corner of the table was something like a miniature piano, except the volume was so low that it was clearly useless except as a composing or learning aid.

The Soprano Sorceress Modesitt, L. E. 1997

As the tinted glass of the bedchamber window filtered the worst of the late-afternoon sun, Anna sat at the table with the key-harp, a stack of the tan paper, a pencil, and the inevitable pitcher of water and accompanying goblet.

The Soprano Sorceress Modesitt, L. E. 1997

Even though her left shoulder and hand had healed enough to use the key-harp for short periods of time, the instrument seemed almost worse than useless.

The Soprano Sorceress Modesitt, L. E. 1997

Anna's fingers struggled with the key-harp as she tried to keep the words of the aria in mind.

The Soprano Sorceress Modesitt, L. E. 1997

Not only was the key-harp frustrating her, but it had no power of projection.

The Soprano Sorceress Modesitt, L. E. 1997

The small instrument helped in working things out, far more than the key-harp.

The Soprano Sorceress Modesitt, L. E. 1997

Finally, she set the mandolin on the desk beside the unused key-harp.

The Soprano Sorceress Modesitt, L. E. 1997

After getting the key-harp in what she hoped was a rough tune, a very rough tuning, Anna looked at the short stack of paper and rubbed her forehead.

The Soprano Sorceress Modesitt, L. E. 1997

She hoped there weren't too many mistakes or oversights" but she wouldn't have bet a clipped coin " or an off-tune key-harp " on it.

The Soprano Sorceress Modesitt, L. E. 1997