"You mentioned that you play the viola," he said, taking up his liqueur with one hand.  "Have you been playing long?" 

 "Since I was sixteen," she replied, stirring cream into her coffee.  "I began with the violin as a child—I really can't recall at what age. When I was sixteen I went away for a summer, and..." she stopped to look at him for an instant, tapping upon her gateau with her fork. "Well, I met a young man who played the viola, and I was quite—quite taken with his instrument. It seemed to suit me, really." 

 "I would say it does," the professor agreed.  "Unusual, especially for a woman—mildly exotic even...and intriguing..." 

 They continued conversing about the viola and the piano, telling each other about their favorite pieces, comparing composers. Gretchen had never played the piano seriously herself—she found it frustrating and was amazed that anyone could master such an instrument. 

 "It requires such independence of the hands," she said.  "I've tried, but I could never play anything worth mentioning. Oh, the organ is another one that I simply cannot fathom. Beautiful to hear, it's quite comical to watch—and seems so awkward to play." 

 "Neither is really any more complicated than the viola, I should think," the professor replied. He had been twirling his glass for some time, but he stopped and removed his hand from the table.  "Think of the dexterity required to control your bow, and the simultaneous imparting of vibrato while retaining correct intonation. It's quite as remarkable." 

 "I see what you mean, certainly. It all seems easy with long practice." 

 "Do you sing alto as well?" 

 She laughed.  "Very poor alto, Professor." 

 "But alto nonetheless. I was certain you would sing alto." He sipped his liqueur again and twirled the glass slowly.  "What about opera? I despise Wagner myself." 

 "Really?" Gretchen replied, reaching for her coffee.  "I can't say I truly enjoy Wagner's work, the little I have heard. But Verdi—is luscious." 

 "Yes, Verdi. I quite agree with your assessment. And Mozart, of course, is beyond reproach." 

 "Positively. But I generally prefer the intimacy of lieder myself." 

 "German?" 

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