"Tolstoy, Leo - Albert" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tolstoy Leo)

She said this unembarrassed by the presence of the musician. He suddenly
came to himself and, as if afraid of something, shrank into a heap and
pushed those around him away.

"It's all nothing!" he suddenly said, rising from his chair with an obvious
effort.

And to show that he was not at all hurt he went into the middle of the room
and tried to jump about, but staggered and would have fallen down again had
someone not supported him.

Everyone felt awkward, and looking at him they all became silent.

The musician's eyes again grew dim, and evidently oblivious of everyone he
began rubbing his knee with his hand. Suddenly he raised his head, advanced
a trembling leg, threw back his hair with the same heedless movement as
before, and going up to the violinist took his violin from him.

"It's nothing!" he said once more, flourishing the violin. "Gentlemen,
let's have some music!"

"What a strange person!" the visitors remarked to one another.

"Perhaps a fine talent is perishing in this unfortunate creature," said one
of the guests.

"Yes, he's pitiable, pitiable!" said a third.

"What a beautiful face! ... There is something extraordinary about him,"
said Delesov. "Let us see ... "

II

Albert meanwhile, paying no attention to anyone, pressed the violin to his
shoulder and paced slowly up and down by the piano tuning it. His lips took
on an impassive expression, his eyes could not be seen, but his narrow bony
back, his long white neck, his crooked legs and shaggy black head,
presented a queer -- but for some reason not at all ridiculous --
spectacle. Having tuned the violin he briskly struck a chord, and throwing
back his head turned to the pianist who was preparing to accompany him.

"Melancolie G-dur!" he said, addressing the pianist with a gesture of
command.

Then, as if begging forgiveness for that gesture, he smiled meekly, and
glanced around at the audience with that same smile. Having pushed back his
hair with the hand in which he held the bow, he stopped at the corner of
the piano, and with a smooth and easy movement drew the bow across the
strings. A clear melodious sound was borne through the room and complete
silence ensued.