Muriel, a young and (for some reason, there's a history but it's obliquely alluded to rather than explained) delicate American woman, is a favoured student of Franz Liszt and hangs out with his studio full of other more or less favoured young musicians. She receives a proposal from a callow youth of 19 which she promptly and properly refuses, and another from an altogether worthy and admirable young German aristocrat. We actually learn so much about this man's life and feelings that it's incomprehensible that she turns him down. His love is deep, sincere, long-lasting and faithful. Her stated reason (to herself) for refusing his suit is that she believes herself to be hopelessly in love with an American that she met last week, and who has given her no encouragement whatsoever. He seems to have no interior life or feelings, although he is somewhat argumentative. Some time later, after some to-ing and fro-ing between New York and Weimar, this American proposes to her out of a clear blue sky. And (after marshalling all her "womanly pride" to make him wait for two days) she accepts. Whatever. I care very little.

It was interesting to read about Liszt's lifestyle, his pupils, and his "open classes". The book was not a total waste of time. Also, the Victorian binding with gilt decoration was quite pretty. ( )