There were engravings after Burne Jones and Rossetti on the walls, and Frank stopped to look at them as he followed Lady Seveley upstairs. She went straight to the piano.
“Are you fond of music?” she said.
“Yes; there is nothing I like more than fiddling at the piano.”
“Then do play something.”
“Oh, no, not for worlds. I only strum, I don't know my notes. I strum on the piano as I strum on the violin.”
“Do you play the violin?”
“I can't call it playing, I was never taught.”
“How did you learn, then? It is a most difficult instrument; I couldn't get on with it at all; I will get mine out if you will play something.”
“If you promise not to laugh, I will try, but I assure you I know nothing about it. I borrowed a violin once, and I taught myself to play a tune; then I bought a violin, and I amuse myself when I am alone.”
“How very clever of you. There, you will find it under the piano behind that music; do play something, it will be so good of you.”