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. Giovanni at once informed her that the Cavaliere di Leyni had a
message for her from, the Senator.
"While you are speaking together we will listen to the music," he said.
He and his wife stepped aside from Jeanne, who had turned pale, and who,
in spite of her violent effort to do so, could not entirely conceal her
impatience to hear this message. Di Leyni sat down beside her, and began
to speak in a low tone.
The violoncello and the piano were jesting together on a pastoral theme,
full of caresses and of simple and lively tenderness.
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