"They all say that; however, we shall see. Will mademoiselle sing to me? Does mademoiselle speak French?"
"Yes, a little," Evelyn replied, timidly.
"Oh, very good. Has mademoiselle studied music?"
"Yes; my father is a musician, but he only cares for the very early music, and I have hardly ever touched a piano, but I play the harpsichord.... My instrument is the viola da gamba."
"The harpsichord and the viola da gamba! That is very interesting, but"—and Madame Savelli laughed good-naturedly—"unfortunately we have no harpsichord here, nor yet a spinet only the humble piano."
"Miss Innes will be quite satisfied with your piano, Madame Savelli."
"Now, Sir Owen, I will not have you get cross with me. I must always have my little pleasantry. Does he get cross with you like that, Miss Innes?"
"I didn't get cross with you, Madame Savelli."
"You wanted to, but I would not let you—and because I regretted I had not a harpsichord, only a humble piano! Mademoiselle knows, I suppose, all the church songs. I only know operas.... You see, Sir Owen, you cannot silence me; I will have my little pleasantry. I only know opera, and have nothing but the humble piano. But, joking apart, mademoiselle wants to study serious opera."
"Yes; mademoiselle intends to study for the stage, not for the church."