[Vittoria by George Meredith]@TWC D-Link bookVittoria CHAPTER XIV 20/34
Good: we go aloft.
You bow to the maestro respectfully twice, as in duty; then a third time, as from a whisper of your soul. Vanitas, vanitatis! You speak of the 'UT de poitrine.' You remark: "Albrechtsberger has said---," and you slap your head and stop.
They think, "He is polite, and will not quote a German authority to us": and they think, "He will not continue his quotation; in truth, he scornfully considers it superfluous to talk of counterpoint to us poor Italians." Your Christian name is Johann ?--you are Herr Johannes.
Look at her well. I shall not expose you longer than ten minutes to their observation. Frown meditative; the elbow propped and two fingers in the left cheek; and walk into the room with a stoop: touch a note of the piano, leaning your ear to it as in detection of five-fifteenths of a shade of discord. Frown in trouble as of a tooth.
So, when you smile, it is immense praise to them, and easy for you.' The names of the Signor Antonio-Pericles and Herr Johannes were taken up to the maestro. Tormented with curiosity, Luigi saw them enter the house.
<<Back Index Next>> D-Link book Top TWC mobile books
|