The Seventh Veil - Piano Scene? Did Nicholas Strike his ward???

Movie girl: I first saw the movie on TV when I was about 12 and was quite impressed with the acting of James Mason and Ann Todd.

The story was very intriguing with the diffident teenage girl who came to live at the Cunningham home as ward of the stern and handsome Nicholas who disliked women.
His mother had deserted the family when he was young and he had always felt an abiding resentment.

Over the next few years Nicholas sends the talented Francesca to music school; she later goes on to piano recitals. She manages to meet a friendly bandleader in a nightclub and at 17 she announces her intention to marry Peter... Incensed by this, Nicholas whisks her off to Paris to new schools and away from her friend.

Several years later, now successful as a pianist, Francesca is 24 and longs to be free. When they return home, the proud Nicholas hires Max, an eminent artist, to paint his ward. As soon as the painting is completed, Max and Francesca become engaged, which infuriates Nicholas. Striking at her hands on the keyboard, he asserts that she must never leave.

Francesca attempts suicide and wears bandages on her hands night and day. Dr. Larsen, sympathetic psychologist, works hard to assist Francesca and to determine how to "lift the veils" of subconscious pain that afflict the young pianist. She tells Nicholas she will never play again and he contritely apologizes. WAS IT PSYCHOLOGICAL PAIN OR PHYSICAL DISCOMFORT FRANCESCA FELT?