Again there was silence. The carriage drove sluggyly along the desertedRingstrasse, past the 0pera House, the Museum and the public gardens.

"Emil?"

"What do you want, my darling?"

"When shall I at last have an opportunity of hearing you play again?"

"I am playing at a concert to-day, as a matter of fact," he exclaimed, as ifit were a joke.

"No, Emil, that was not what I meant--I want you to play to me alone. Youwill do that just once ... won't you? Please!"