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

"He really plays well, you know!" said the officer.

"Wonderfully!" replied Delesov, stealthily wiping his cheek with his
sleeve.

"However, it's time for us to be going," said the man who was lying on the
sofa, having somewhat recovered. "We must give him something. Let's make a
collection."

Meanwhile Albert sat alone on a sofa in the next room. Leaning his elbows
on his bony knees he stroked his face and ruffled his hair with his moist
and dirty hands, smiling happily to himself.

They made a good collection, which Delesov offered to hand to Albert.

Moreover it had occurred to Delesov, on whom the music had made an unusual
and powerful impression, to be of use to this man. It occurred to him to
take him home, dress him, get him a place somewhere, and in general rescue
him for his sordid condition.

"Well, are you tired?" he asked, coming up to him.

Albert smiled.

"You have real talent. You ought to study music seriously and give public
performances."

"I'd like to have something to drink," said Albert, as if just awake.

Delesov brought some wine, and the musician eagerly drank two glasses.

"What excellent wine!" he said.

"What a delightful thing that Melancolie is!" said Delesov.

"Oh, yes, yes!" replied Albert with a smile -- "but excuse me: I don't know
with whom I have the honour of speaking, maybe you are a count, or a
prince: could you, perhaps, lend me a little money?" He paused a little "I
have nothing ... I am a poor man. I couldn't pay it back."

Delesov flushed: he felt awkward, and hastily handed the musician the money
that had been collected.

"Thank you very much!" said Albert, seizing the money. "Now let's have some
music. I'll play for you as much as you like -- only let me have a drink of
something, a drink..." he added rising.

Delesov brought him some more wine and asked him to sit beside him.