"Pableau learns Italian"



“Paolo opened the book and began to read. He began in a slow, steady voice, pronouncing each word precisely and without haste. Then he began to alter the rhythm, raising and lowering his voice as he did, and adding emotion when the passage required. Finally, as he approached the end of the poem, he paused, imperceptibly, then delivered the final phrase. When he finished, Francesca took the book from his hands, and that night they read no further…”