More--it was authoritative, masterly, soaring.

It gripped the hearers' senses and heartstrings.

The beauty and dreaminess of the Ave Maria flooded the air with loveliness.

Brice listened, enthralled.
Down Claire's cheek rolled a teardrop, of whose existence she was not even aware.
The last notes of the melody throbbed away.

Brice drew a long breath.