ude concerning Denasia, he was not at this
time very happy. Certainly not happy enough to contemplate a long
continuance of the life he was leading, but well satisfied to pass the
winter in its refined and easy seclusion. He knew that Elizabeth would
be in London until June, and he resolved to remain in New York until
she left for Switzerland. He would then join her at Paris and spend
the summer and autumn in her company; beyond that he did not much
trouble himself.

He had, indeed, a vague dream of then quietly visiting Denasia and
determining whether it would be worth while to educate her for grand
opera. For the idea had taken such deep root in his mind that he could
not teach himself to regard the future without it, and now that
Elizabeth had full control of her riches, he did not contemplate any
difficulty about money matters. He still believed in Denasia's voice,
and he had seen that her dramatic talents were above the average; so
even in the charmed atmosphere of the Lanhearne home, he could still
think with pleasure of being the husband of a famous prima donna.

He was sure that Denasia had returned to St. Penfer. He knew that ever
since they came to America she had written at intervals to her
parents, and though it was indeed a labour of love for either John or
Joan to write a letter, Denasia had had several communications from
them. Evidently, then, she had been forgiven, and he had no doubt that
for the sake of her child she hurried homeward as soon as it was
possible for her to secure a passage.

Still he allowed three weeks to pass ere he made any inquiries. During
those three weeks his own life had settled into very easy and pleasant
ways. He breakfasted alone or with Mr. Lanhearne. Then he read the
morning papers aloud and attended to the mail. If the weather were
favourable, this duty was followed by a stroll or drive in the park.
Afterward he was very much at leisure until dinner-time, and at nine
o'clock Mr. Lanhearne's retirement to his own room gave him those
evening hours which most young men consider the desirable ones. Roland
generally went to some theatre or musical entertainment. There was
always the vague expectation of seeing and hearing Denasia, and he
scarcely knew whether his disappointment was a pleasure or an
annoyance.

At the end of the third week he ventured to the Second Avenue house.
The room they had occupied was dark. He watched it until midnight. If
Denasia had been singing a