"Is that all you want?"
"Is there more?"
Walther jumped up angrily.
"I believe there is—and I think you do, too!" he said harshly. "If you don't, why did you take me to that meeting last night and invite me here today? Why did you send me off alone with Maria?"
Willy only smiled, but under his silk robe his round belly shook with silent laughter.
"You are a foolish young man ... and sometimes not so foolish! Sit down. Sit down...."
He leaned forward in his easy chair, and his manner became grave.
"Perhaps it's difficult for an old man to come near the end of life fearing that the beauty he loves will never escape from its tomb. Perhaps it's also difficult for an old maestro who cherishes the talent and loveliness of a young woman to know that she may never understand what her gift really means. Perhaps an old man can still dream some dreams that a young man could not comprehend...."
The tight knot in Walther's stomach slowly unwound itself.
"Then you will help me," he said quietly.