The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 994: Chapter 56 The Greeks’ Gift_2

Arthur heard Great Dumas’s remark and joked, “Lucky for us, Napoleon wasn’t the one attacking the barricades back then, otherwise the cannon fire would have drowned out Mr. Nuli’s singing. Alexander, I used to think guys like you were just exceptions, but now I know, every time a revolution happens in Paris, France’s top ‘artworks’ can be found all over the barricades. That makes it clear, trying to sell me ‘Liberty Leading the People’ for 500 pounds was indeed a bit greedy.”

Andersen glanced over at Nuli, who was at a table not far away, and proposed.

“Shall we go and say hello to Mr. Nuli? I visited the Paris Opera House recently and enjoyed the performance of ‘The Fairy,’ Miss Tarioli’s dancing, Mrs. Damoreau’s singing, and Mr. Nuli’s orchestration left a strong impression. In Copenhagen, everyone praises Miss Astrup’s voice and her ageless magical power.

However, for me, an old lady of her age donning a tight dress that maintains her waist and hipline looks as stiff as a playing card. Her sharp voice isn’t pleasant to listen to either. As for her performance, I won’t waste words. Those in Copenhagen should really come to Paris to witness real opera.

Though Mademoiselle Mars in Paris is also no longer young, it’s only from her that I’ve witnessed true youthful exuberance. It’s not about tightening the waist and strutting arrogantly; it’s the youth pulsating in the music. Even if I can’t fully understand what she’s singing, it doesn’t hinder my comprehension of the emotions in her voice, which is the mark of a truly great actor.”

Arthur, hearing this, couldn’t help but laugh and chimed in, “Hans, now I understand why you’re under attack in Copenhagen.”

“Do you not believe my assessment of Danish opera?”

“No, quite the opposite, I think most of what you said is probably true.” Arthur took a sip of wine, “If you were making it up, they shouldn’t have reacted so strongly.”

Heine then raised his glass to Andersen: “Hans, ignore those guys, you’re right. Honest, straightforward, and genuine. Do you know why I befriend you? Because I have the same qualities as you. I like to speak the truth, even more accurately than you, so my situation in Prussia is even worse than yours. But what’s the big deal about that? Not being able to accept criticism is their problem, not ours.”

Arthur asked, “So, Heinrich, when is your critique ‘On the Romantics’ for ‘Blackwood’s’ going to be finished?”

“Well…” Heine’s eyes wandered as he dodged the question, “Let’s go and greet Mr. Nuli first.”

Just as Heine stood up, Dumas, who had intended to go with him, suddenly blocked Heine’s path: “Why don’t we do it another day? I have to deliver a manuscript to the Paris Opera House tomorrow, so I could take you to see a show and tour the backstage then?”

“Huh?” Heine frowned, “But what if Mr. Nuli isn’t there tomorrow? I’ve long wanted to meet him, Alexander, aren’t you going to introduce us?”

Great Dumas patted his chest: “Heinrich, introducing you is no problem. There’s a meeting at the Second Paris Literary Society soon, and I’ll invite Mr. Nuli, wouldn’t that work?”

In just a few minutes, Great Dumas’s attitude had undergone a 180-degree shift.

Having lived for more than two years under the same roof as this large fellow, Arthur immediately saw through Great Dumas’s unease.

He sipped his wine nonchalantly, but his eyes inadvertently drifted to Nuli’s table.

Just a moment ago, Nuli was alone ordering food, but in the blink of an eye, two new, unfamiliar friends had joined his table.

One of the guests hadn’t yet taken a seat; he looked about 6 feet 5 inches tall and somewhat slender.

He wore a black velvet outfit with a distinct Genoa style, a large republican hat, long black curly hair draped over his shoulders, very fair skin, a broad forehead, and a handsome and delicate face with a well-defined mustache adding a touch of masculinity. His black eyes shone brightly and his facial expressions were very animated. As he talked, he gestured expressively and seemed hyperactive.

Just from his attire and manner, one could judge that this fellow was likely an Italian literati.

As for his companion, he was much more taciturn, a large pipe in his mouth; his skin was dark and glossy, his long golden hair draped over his shoulders made him look like a rogue. His eyes weren’t big but contained a sharp gleam, and his broad shoulders and muscular build marked him as someone good in a fight.

Though he didn’t speak much, every word he uttered was crucial, like what he had just said: “Mr. Nuli, you’ve helped us a lot, so let me cover the bill for this meal.”

If Great Dumas hadn’t previously told Arthur that Nuli was a republican who fought in the July Revolution, perhaps Arthur wouldn’t be so sure.

But at this moment, Arthur had already deciphered some clues from Great Dumas’s body language and the attire of the companions.

He walked up with his wine glass, politely smiling as he approached Nuli’s table: “Excuse me, are you Mr. Adolphe Nourri? Your ‘The Fairy’ is truly a masterpiece in ballet.”