He half closed his eyes and keeping time with his head he began softly to hum:

“O Magali, ma bien-aimée,

Fuyons tous deux sous la ramée

Au fond du bois silencieux....”

And she took it up:

“La nuit sur nous étend ses voiles

Et tes beaux yeux—”

And Roumestan sang out loud:

“Vont faire pâlir les étoiles....”

“Do wait a moment,” she cried, “Mamma will play us the accompaniment.”