When the boy had finished, he stood looking at the maestro, blushing very scarlet, and altogether ashamed of himself.

The other did not speak.
"Excuse me," said Nino, "I cannot sing.

I have not sung for a long time.

I know it is not worth anything." De Pretis recovered himself.
"You do not sing," said he, "because you have not learned.

But you can.