Intermezzo: A Love Story Page #2

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if you don't come. And so will we.

- Won't we, darling?

- Yes. You must come, Miss Hoffman.

- How many candles are there?

- Seven.

- No, eight.

- There's one to grow on.

- Take a deep breath.

- No, wait.

Did you make a wish first?

All right, then, blow.

- Keep going.

- Come on.

She gets her wish.

You must cut the first piece, darling.

- Don't watch.

- Help her, Charles.

Who's the engineer in the family?

- Who gets this?

- The first piece is for Daddy.

- No, darling. Mother must have it.

- It's your birthday. Keep it yourself, silly.

- I'll cut the rest.

- All right.

Not so long ago, your daddy and I

went to a birthday party in China.

- In China?

- At a mandarin's house.

His name was Cho-Ching-Chang-Chip-Chop.

- Did you have ice cream and cake?

- No, indeed.

We had swallows' nests,

some roasted silkworms...

snake soup, and cricket eggs.

You didn't eat that?

We had to take

a double helping of everything...

or the mandarin would have murdered us.

Well, Uncle Charles,

nobody will murder you here.

Please, may I have your attention

for a moment?

I have a wonderful surprise for you tonight.

You've all sat enraptured by the music

of Rachmaninoff and Paderewski.

Now you are going to be thrilled...

by being present

at the very first recital of someone...

I'm convinced

is going to join that distinguished company.

I trust

you'll extend an appropriate welcome.

Miss Brandt, will you do me the honor?

- I must sign her up immediately.

- I can't wait to hear her.

Wait, Daddy.

Remember, darling?

How did I do, Mommy?

- Daddy and I were very proud of you.

- I'm so glad.

You did very well.

- Will you play for my party now?

- No.

- Mommy, make Miss Hoffman play, too.

- Would she play for us?

Really, Mrs. Brandt, not now.

Why shouldn't you play?

I want to show off my pupil.

Do play for us. We'd all enjoy it.

Well, maybe they won't listen, anyway.

Isn't that child astonishing?

Frankly, I was amazed.

So was I.

Here, you little monkey.

I want to talk to you.

It's fantastic. The child's become a pianist

since I've been away. I'm sure...

- What are you shushing me for?

- Miss Hoffman.

Miss Hoffman next on the program?

Having a regular concert, aren't we?

When Miss Hoffman finishes, Daddy,

do we play again?

But, Daddy, you promised.

Go on. Why do you stop?

- Bravo!

- Thank you.

- Weren't they wonderful, Mommy?

- Yes, darling, they were.

Someday, I'm going to accompany Daddy

that way.

Of course you are, darling.

I beg your pardon. Why, it's Miss Hoffman.

Look who's here.

- Hello, Miss Hoffman.

- Hello.

- Did you sleep as soundly as I did?

- Charles hates music.

Poor fellow. Has to make his living

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