realized that he was suddenly facing a question which might affect his
whole after life, and he was too much in earnest to waste words on mere
conventional phrases. He liked the old man, and he felt a swift, burning
longing to accept his offer. It had come unsought, unexpected. Was not
fate in it; and was not a man always justified in following out his
fate? To accept it would be in a great measure to cut himself off from
his present social life. An operatic engagement would engross him
completely. All in all, it might be better so. And yet, there was
something to be said upon the other side. Was he justified in working
out his own professional salvation at the certain cost of the damnation
of another soul? That was what it amounted to in the long run. If he
went into opera, he must separate himself from all connection with
Sidney Lorimer. He could not take the time to visit Lorimer's world; it
would be sure and swift destruction to Lorimer, if he were to set foot
within the new world which Thayer was preparing to enter. Thayer
realized that the horns of his dilemma were long and curving. The offer
tempted him sorely; yet, for some unaccountable reason, he shrank from
turning his back upon Lorimer. And, besides, if Beatrix--

"How long would you need me?"

"The entire season."

"How soon?"

"In _Faust_, on the tenth of next month."

"In _Faust_?"

The impresario saw that Thayer was hesitating. The idea of Faust plainly
attracted him, and the impresario hastily followed up the advantage.

"Yes, we want you for _Valentine_."

"My favorite part," Thayer said, half to himself.

The impresario smiled serenely. He felt no question now as to the
outcome of his errand.

"Calve will sing _Marguerite_; it will be a good cast. After that, we
shall need you, two or three times a week, and the salary--"

Impatiently Thayer brushed his words aside.

"How soon must you have my answer?"

"To-night."

"Very well. Then, no."

The impresario straightened up in his chair.

"Mr. Thayer!" he remonstrated.

"It is impossible for me to bind myself for an entire season, without
more time to think the matter over," Thayer said quietly.

"But it is important that I should know, in order to make my other
arrangements."

"Then you would better consider it settled in the negative," Thayer
returned.

The impresario wavered.

"How much time do you need?" he asked a little impatiently.

"I must have a week."

"Impossibl