"I don't understand you."
"That is false."
At this point-blank contradiction, the blood showed through his sallow cheeks.
"False?"
"Yes, false. You do understand me. Did you not say that you had been for some time seeking for an opportunity to take lessons in music?"
"I--I----"
Confronted by her red-hot accusatory glances, he stammered, stumbled, stopped.
"Yes?--go on."
"I have been seeking such an opportunity."
"Indeed? And do you wish me to suppose that you believed that you--you--could be taught anything in music by an unknown creature who fastened a plate announcing lessons in music, to the palings of such a place as this?"