Quentin was contemplating the tranquil water of the pool, when he heard the halting notes of a Czerny étude on the piano.
“Who is playing?” he asked.
“Señorita Rafaela, who is giving her sister a lesson. Why don’t you go up?”
“Why, I think I shall.”
And with throbbing heart, Quentin left the garden and climbed the stairs. He rang, and a tall, dried-up maid led him through several rooms until he reached one in which Remedios was playing the piano while Rafaela, just behind her, was beating time upon an open book of music.
An old woman servant was sewing by the balcony window.
Quentin greeted the two sisters, and Rafaela said to him:
“You haven’t been here for several days! Grandfather has asked for you again and again.”
“Really?” asked Quentin idiotically.
“Yes, many times.”