16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
walked in, leapt on to its accustomed chair by
the fire and began to wash. Curiosity had led
it aboard a ship bound for Surinam, a ship
from the Pool that had just returned.
After dinner it was proposed that they should
play, and since one of the chief purposes of
the feast was to give Tom Pullings pleasure
they played tunes he knew very well. Songs, as
often as not, and dances, some delightful
melodies with variations on them; and from
time to time Jack and Pullings sang.
'Your viola has profited immensely from its
repair,' said Jack when they were standing up
for leave-taking. 'It has a charming tone.'
'Thank you, sir,' said Martin. 'Mr Dutourd has
improved my fingering, tuning and bowing –
he knows a great deal about music – he loves
to play.'
'Ah, indeed?' said Jack. 'Now, Tom, do not