But he bore her no malice, or he would hardly have written his poetical tribute commencing:-- "Dear, thoughtless Clara, to my verse attend, Believe for once the lover and the friend." So Gay's words were unheeded.

A heavy step sounded on the sanded floor.
A big man with features formed on an ample mould had entered.

Gay was entranced by the singer and did not hear him.

The newcomer stood silently behind the poet.

He too, was listening intently.
The girl's voice died into a cadence.