He noticed, also, that she played feverishly, vehemently, not with that quiet restraint, that promise of reserve power, always so noticeable in the old days.

It caused him to realize that she was working upon her nerves, holding herself up to the strain by the sheer strength of will.

The papers the next day commented upon this, hinting at nervousness, at exhilaration consequent upon so notable a greeting.

But Winston knew the cause better--he knew the spectre which had so suddenly risen before her, turning her white and frightened at the very moment of supreme triumph.

There, in front of them all, under the full glare of the lights, herself the very focus of thousands of eyes, she had been compelled to fight down her heart, and win a victory greater than that of the actress.