The povero signor spagnuolothe poor Spanish gentlemanspent his days locked up in his room, his violoncello between his knees, reading Beethoven, the only one "in his family"as he said"who had never played him false."

Opposite their door, on the other side of the well staircase, dwelt one Monsieur Cliquot, an elderly employé in some public office; next to him, Signor Milanesi, an Italian refugee who played in the orchestra at the Variétés every night, was given to practising the violoncello by day, and wore as much hair about his face as a Skye-terrier.

She learned her lessons rapidly; and soon could accompany her father's violoncello on the piano.