She had already begun a story and she simply had to know how it would end.

So she began to read.

As soon as she finished one story, a new wonderful picture would lead her to another story.
Suddenly some splendid music sounded close beside her, and Cornelli started.

Agnes was sitting at the piano close to her side and playing.
Cornelli could not read any more, for Agnes played one lovely tune after another as quickly and easily as if it did not cause her any trouble.

She knew from Dino that Agnes was not much more than a year older than she was.