It took an enormous amount of time to undo this mischief, for I distrusted somewhat my own lights and Mlle.

Pelletan had too high an opinion of Damcke's work and did not dare to override his judgment.
That excellent woman did not live to see the end of her work.

She began the preparation of Orphee, but she died almost at once.

So I was left to finish the score alone without that valuable experience and masterly insight by which she solved the most difficult problems.

And there were real enigmas to be solved at every step.