There was also an odour of Russian tobacco.
The baroness smiled and turned on the piano seat.
"Ah, professore! You come just in time," said she.

"I am trying to sing such a pretty song to myself, and I cannot pronounce the words.
Come and teach me." Nino contrasted the whole air of this luxurious retreat with the prim, soldierly order that reigned in the count's establishment.
"Indeed, signora, I come to teach you whatever I can.

Here I am.

I cannot sing, but I will stand beside you and prompt the words." Nino is not a shy boy at all, and he assumed the duties required of him immediately.

He stood by her side, and she just nodded and began to sing a little song that stood on the desk of the piano.