ne himself," he went on, in answer to my look; "I am
only his spirit. Have you ever tested that belief the Hindoos hold:
that a man may leave his body, wander at will for a certain period,
remembering only to return ere the thread connecting him with flesh and
blood be stretched to breaking point? It is quite correct. I often lock
the door of my lodging, leave myself behind, wander a free Spirit."

He pulled from his pocket a handful of loose coins and looked at them.
"The thread that connects us, I am sorrow to say, is wearing somewhat
thin," he sighed; "I shall have to be getting back to him before
long--concern myself again with his troubles, follies. It is somewhat
vexing. Life is really beautiful, when one is dead."

"What was the trouble?" I enquired.

"Haven't you heard?" he replied. "Tom died five weeks ago, quite
suddenly, of syncope. We had none of us any idea."

So Norah was alone in the world. I rose to my feet. The slowly moving
speck had grown into a thin, dark streak; minute by minute it took shape
and form.

"By the way, I have to congratulate you," said Wellbourne. "Your opera
looked like being a big thing when I left London. You didn't sell
outright, I hope?"

"No," I answered. "Hodgson never expressed any desire to buy."

"Lucky for you," said Wellbourne.

I reached London the next evening. Passing the theatre on my way to
Queen's Square, it occurred to me to stop my cab for a few minutes and
look in.

I met the low comedian on his way to his dressing-room. He shook me
warmly by the hand.

"Well," he said, "we're pulling them in. I was right, you see, Give me
plenty of opportunity.' That's what I told you, didn't I? Come and see
the piece. I think you will agree with me that I have done you justice."

I thanked him.

"Not at all," he returned; "it's a pleasure to work, when you've got
something good to work on."

I paid my respects to the leading lady.

"I am so grateful to you," said the leading lady. "It is so delightful
to play a real live woman, for a change."

The tenor was quite fatherly.

"It is what I have been telling Hodgson for years," he said, "give them
a simple human story."

Crossing the stage, I ran against Marmaduke Trevor.

"You will stay for my scene," he urged.

"Another night," I answered. "I have only just returned."

He sank his voice to a whisper. "I want to talk to you on business, when
you have the time. I am thinking of taking a theatre myself--not