It is a fact that I had far rather sing alone to you here to-night, and know that you are pleased, than be cheered by a whole opera house full of strange people." "And I--oh, I cannot explain! Sing on, sing all you can, for to-morrow I must go away." "Go away!" she faltered.
"Yes; I will explain to you afterwards.

But please sing while I am here to listen." The words struck heavy on her heart, numbing it--why, she knew not.

For a moment she felt helpless, as though she could neither sing nor play.
She did not wish him to go; she did not wish him to go.

Her intellect came to her aid.

Why should he go?
Heaven had given her power, and this man could feel its weight.