She continued to detain her cousin in the doorway, so that I was obliged to pass in front of them in order to go out; and, as I did so, I bowed again and looked my Bradamante in the eye with an assurance befitting the combat upon which we had entered. A gleam of undaunted courage flashed from her eyes. Therein I read distinctly that my boldness did not displease her, and that the lists were not closed to me. So I was at my post before noon the next day, and found my heroine at hers, seated at the piano and touching the silent or jangling keys with admirable indifference, as if she desired to prove to me by those diabolical discords her detestation and contempt for music. I entered calmly and saluted her with as much respectful indifference as if I were in reality a piano-tuner. I placed my hat carelessly on a chair, I laboriously drew off my gloves, imitating the awkwardness of a man unused to wearing them. I took from my pocket a wooden box filled with spools of wire, and began to unwind enough for one string--all with the utmost gravity and without affectation. The signora continued to pound the hapless piano in unmerciful fashion, although the sounds she produced were of a nature to put to flight the most hardened savages. I at once saw that she was amusing herself by destroying its tone and breaking it more and more, in order to provide work for me, and I detected more coquetry than cruelty in that devilment; for she seemed disposed to remain with me. Thereupon I said to her with a perfectly serious face: "Does your ladyship think that the piano begins to be in tune?" "The harmony is satisfactory to me," she said, biting her lips to keep from laughing, "and the sounds it gives forth are extremely pleasant to the ear." "It is a fine instrument," said I. "And in very good condition," she rejoined. "Your ladyship is a very talented performer." "As you see." "That is a charming waltz, and exceedingly well executed." "Is it not? How could one help playing well on an instrument in such perfect tune? You love music, signor?" "A little, signora; but your playing goes to my heart." "In that case I will continue." And she proceeded, with a fiendish smile, to murder one of the _bravura_ airs she had heard me sing with the greatest applause on the stage. "Is his lordship your cousin well?" I said, when she had finished. "He is hunting." "Is your ladyship fond of game?" "I am immoderately fond of it. And you, signor?" "I am sincerely and deeply partial to it." "Which do you like best, game or music?" "I like music at table, but at this moment I should like some game better." She rose and rang. A servant appeared instantly, as if he were a piece of machinery set in motion by the bell-rope.