human
Let us talk instead,
gpt
Oh, yes! said he, suddenly striking his forehead with his hand, and putting on an expression of anxious curiosity. The expression of his face always foretold what he was going to say.
human
I wanted to ask you, --he hesitated a little,--
gpt
His own son,
human
Indeed! he exclaimed, smiling with satisfaction.
gpt
I instantly noticed that there was something peculiarly aristocratic in his manners. I love aristocrats. There is something splendid and elegant about an aristocrat. And that officer who danced so beautifully, he went on to ask.
human
He also pleased me very much, he was so gay and noble looking. It seems he is called Adjutant N. N.
gpt
Who?
human
The one who ran into me when we were dancing. He must be a splendid man.
gpt
No, he is a silly fellow,
human
Oh, no! it can't be, rejoined Albert hotly.
gpt
There's something very, very pleasant about him. And he's a fine musician, added Albert.
human
He played something from an opera. It's a long time since I have seen any one who pleased me so much.
gpt
Yes, he plays very well; but I don't like his playing, said Delesof, anxious to bring his companion to talk about music.
human
He does not understand classic music, but only Donizetti and Bellini; and that's no music, you know. You agree with me, don't you?
gpt
Oh, no, no! Pardon me, replied Albert with a gentle expression of vindication.
human
The old music is music; but modern music is music too. And in the modern music there are extraordinarily beautiful things. Now, 'Somnambula,' and the _finale_ of 'Lucia,' and Chopin, and 'Robert'! I often think, --he hesitated, apparently collecting his thoughts,--
gpt
he said, with shining eyes, and making a gesture with both hands, as though he were casting something from his breast.
human
I'd give a good deal, but it would be impossible, to bring it back.
gpt
Well, but how do you like the opera nowadays?
human
Bosio is good, very good, was his reply,
gpt
he said, pointing to his sunken chest.
human
A singer must have passion, and she hasn't any. She is enjoyable, but she doesn't torture you.
gpt
Well, how about Lablache?
human
I heard him in Paris, in 'The Barber of Seville.' Then he was the only one, but now he is old. He can't be an artist, he is old.
gpt
Well, supposing he is old, still he is fine in _morceaux d'ensemble_,
human
Who said that he was old? said Albert severely.
gpt
He can't be old. The artist can never be old. Much is needed in an artist, but fire most of all, he declared with glistening eyes, and raising both hands in the air. And, indeed, a terrible inner fire seemed to glow throughout his whole frame.
human
Ah, my God! he exclaimed suddenly.
gpt
You don't know Petrof, do you,--Petrof, the artist?
human
No, I don't know him,
gpt
How I wish that you and he might become acquainted! You would enjoy talking with him. How he does understand art! He and I often used to meet at Anna Ivánovna's, but now she is vexed with him for some reason or other. But I really wish that you might make his acquaintance. He has great, great talent.
human
Oh! Does he paint pictures?
gpt
I don't know. No, I think not; but he was an artist of the Academy. What thoughts he had! Whenever he talks, it is wonderful. Oh, Petrof has great talent, only he leads a very gay life!... It's too bad,
human
Have you been at the opera lately?
gpt
Ah, I have not been able to! he said, clutching his head. Again he sat down by Delesof.
human
I will tell you, he went on to say, almost in a whisper.
gpt
I can't go: I can't play there. I have nothing, nothing at all,--no clothes, no home, no violin. It's a wretched life,--a wretched life! he repeated the phrase.
human
Yes, and why have I got into such a state? Why, indeed? It ought not to have been, said he, smiling.
gpt
Now let us have something to eat,
human
Don Juan,