About this story
Svengali calls her ear absent and her instrument exceptional, and keeps her address after she leaves. Days later neuralgia sends her back in pain, and his offered cure leaves her unable to open her eyes or speak until he allows it. She thanks him for the relief; you are left weighing what safeguards his next visit needs.
How it opens
Your studio in the Latin Quarter finally had a tuned piano and room for three young painters.
TaffyA clean canvas, a full pipe, and no creditor on the stair make this an excellent morning.
Little BilleeThe piano makes it a home, provided someone worthy sits at it.
You were finishing breakfast when a loud knock brought two shabby musicians inside.
SvengaliMy friend Gecko can make the violin speak, and I can make your piano remember its purpose.
Play, then, and let the instrument decide whether we welcome the interruption.