“There are a number of musical geniuses whose works have been popular in this country,” observed Smythe, “but I don’t expect we shall agree upon this subject; and we have to apologise to our kind hostess for thus interrupting the concert.”
“I like to listen to discussions of this sort,” returned Marouski, “because I believe that the English people have a much greater love for good music than foreign nations give them credit for. However, as you don’t care about Wagner,” he added with a smile, “I will give you something from an opera by one of my own countrymen.”
Marouski sat down to the piano once more, and sang a recitative air from one of Rossini’s operas. He executed it in a manner which was beyond all praise, and the contrast it afforded to his first performance was so powerful that his audience found it difficult to believe that it was the same singer they were listening to. The Italian professor was applauded most vociferously and was evidently well pleased with his success.
“Now you must not tell me, signor, that the last piece is not a hundred per cent better than the first,” cried Sir Eric Batershall.
“It all depends upon taste. Each is good in its own particular way.”
Lady Batershall or Aveline, as we have been accustomed to call her, was now conducted to the piano.
She sang a simple ballad with such pathos and with so much feeling that the assembled guests were deeply moved.
After a few more pieces had been performed and songs sung, the musical entertainment was brought to a close.
The conversation became general, the topics discussed were various, and a vast amount of knowledge was displayed by the speakers in what might with truth be termed a most delightful convivial discussion.
Among the company was a learned professor—a great naturalist who had been in many parts of the world—he had been somewhat taciturn during the earlier portion of the day, but Captain Smithers Smythe, who had resided in India for some years, drew him out, and an animated conversation followed upon the great Indian Empire. Professor Mainwaring had a number of interesting anecdotes to tell, and finally concluded with the following narrative:—