For a full minute after it ceased you stood there, and the others, wherever they might be in the shadow, scarcely breathed.
That was how Hedwig first heard Nino sing.

When at last she recovered herself enough to ask aloud the name of the singer, Nino had moved quite close to her.
"It is a relation of mine, signorina, a young fellow who is going to be an artist.

I asked him as a favour to come here and sing to you to-night.

I thought it might please you." "A relation of yours!" exclaimed the contessina.

And the others approached so that they all made a group in the disc of moonlight.
"Just think, my dear baroness, this wonderful voice is a relation of Signor Cardegna, my excellent Italian master!" There was a little murmur of admiration; then the old count spoke.
"Signore," said he, rolling in his gutturals, "it is my duty to very much thank you.