His fingers closed around it and he carried the fragrant little nosegay to his nostrils. "It is very sweet," he said. "How good you are to bring it. Flowers are so precious in winter. They always remind one of gardens one has known. I will keep it for a little while and after the nurse comes in I can get her to put it in water for me."
"Are you fond of music? Would you like me to play for you, or would you rather I should read?"
"I'd like the music immensely, and the rest of the boys can hear it, too."
"What do you like best, ragtime, classical music, or what?"
"Some times one, some times the other. Do you play Chopin?"
"Some things of his?"
"Any of his études? Number nineteen, for instance?"
"I used to play that, but I haven't done so for a long time. I will try it if you like, and if you will excuse any mistakes."
"I will excuse anything since you were so kind as to bring me this comforting little bouquet."