Nino has always commanded me, as he seems to command everybody else, in the fewest words possible.

But he is so true and honest and brave that all who know him love him; and that is more than can be said for most artists.

As he sat in his chair, hesitating what question to ask first, or waiting for me to speak, I thought that if Hedwig von Lira had searched the whole world for a man able to deliver her from her cruel father and from her hated lover she could have chosen no better champion than Nino Cardegna, the singer.

Of course you all say that I am infatuated with the boy, and that I helped him to do a reckless thing, simply because I was blinded by my fondness.

But I maintain, and shall ever hold, that Nino did right in this matter, and I am telling my story merely in order that honest men may judge.
He sat by the window, and the sun poured through the panes upon his curling hair, his travelling dress, and his dusty boots.