Jeanne was in her salon next to Carlino's room, where he was accompanying Chieco's violoncello on the piano.

She came forward to meet her friends with a smile that, combined with the music--antique Italian music, simple and peaceful--made their hearts ache.

She seemed rather surprised to see di Leyni, from whom she had not expected a visit.

She had really asked them to come up stairs that they might speak more freely, but she told them she had wished to offer them a little of Chieco's music, and now he would not allow the door to remain open.

However, one could hear very well with the door closed.