What does the word modulated mean in this passage from emerson's "nature"?

The boy and the wolf by james baldwin one day word came that a savage wolf had been seen in the forest. "how i should like to meet that wolf," said little gilbert. he was only seven years old, but now all his thoughts were about the savage beast. "shall we take a walk this morning? " asked his mother. "oh, yes! " said gilbert. "perhaps we may see that wolf among the trees. but don't be afraid." his mother smiled, for she felt quite sure that there was no danger. what point of view does the author use in this selection?