n is up. And moreover, in an
institution where meat is more valuable than music, I feel that I am
quite superfluous."

The other singers had come running out from the wings, and were
standing crowded together on the stage looking down at the orchestra.
When Daniel laid down his baton and walked away, every member of the
orchestra rose as one man to his feet. It was a voluntary and almost
overwhelming expression of speechless admiration. Though they had never
loved this man, though they had regarded him as an evil, alien kill-joy,
who interfered with their easy-going habits as musicians in that town,
they nevertheless respected his energy, admired the nobility of his
intentions, and at least had a vague idea of his genius.

Fraeulein Varini went into hysterics. The director was called in. He
promised Fraeulein Varini immediate redress, and wrote a letter to Daniel
requesting that he offer an apology.

Daniel replied in a brief note that he had no thought of changing his
plans as announced when he left the building. He remarked that it was
quite impossible for him to get along with Fraeulein Varini, that either
he or she would have to quit, and that since she intended to remain he
must consider his resignation as submitted and accepted.

That evening, as he was sitting at the table with Eleanore, he told her,
after a long silence and in very few words, what had happened. Her
response to him was a look of astonishment; that was all.

"Oh, it was the only thing I could do," said Daniel, without looking up
from his plate; "I was so heartily sick of the whole business."

"What are you going to live on, you and your child?" asked Eleanore.

His eye became even darker and harsher: "You know, God who makes the
lilies grow in the fields ... I can't quote that old proverb exactly, my
familiarity with the Bible is nothing to boast of."

That was all they said. The window was open; there was a mysterious
pulsing in the earth; the warm air had a disagreeable taste, somewhat
like that of sweet oil.

When the clock in the tower struck ten, Eleanore got up and said
good-night.

"Good-night!" replied Daniel, with bowed head.

V

That is the way it was now every evening between the two; for during the
day they scarcely saw each other.

Daniel would sit perfectly still for hours at a time and brood.

He could not forget. He could not forget the burning, smoking border of
the dress; nor