CORNELLI
a room and informed him that she would go at once to fetch her mother, who was with her sick brother.
Upon her polite invitation the Director followed her, and settled down in an arm-chair. He looked about him with astonishment at the small but scrupulously neat room, which was decorated with several charming pictures.
When Nika neared the door, Cornelli said to her in a low voice: “I want to visit Dino.”
“Come, I’ll show you the way,” came a small voice from behind the door. It was Mux, who had quickly hidden there to peep with curious eyes at the new arrivals. He came out and seizing Cornelli’s hand, pulled her away with him. The mother had heard the stranger’s voice and at this moment entered from an adjoining chamber.
“She does not correspond, either, as Cornelli puts it,” the Director said to himself with a smile. He rose and introduced himself. Following your son’s summons, Mrs. Halm, I have brought you my daughter,” he said. “She can stay a few hours with her sick friend,
188
