“A native of Padua?”
“No; I was born at Pisano, in Istria.”
“Your business here?”
“I am a student at law, in the University.”
The speaker colored again; for he had suddenly become anxious to obtain the Count’s good opinion.
“And where,” asked Cornaro, after a pause, “did you acquire your knowledge in music?”
“You are pleased, Signor,” replied the youth, modestly, and bending his eyes to the ground, “to commend what is indeed not worthy—”
“Allow me judgment, if you please,” interrupted the Count, sharply. “I am myself skilled in the art. I ask, where did you receive instruction?”
“I took some lessons at Capo d’ Istria,” answered Giuseppe, “when very young; my parents had placed me there to be educated for the church; and I found music a great solace in my seclusion.”
“The church! and why have you changed your pursuits?”