and the music had ceased ...

He kissed the hem of my dress and did not see that I closed my eyes.
"What more can I tell you, dear?
You now know the tragedy.

It went on for a fortnight--a fortnight during which I lied to him.

My lies were as hideous as the monster who inspired them; but they were the price of my liberty.

I burned his mask; and I managed so well that, even when he was not singing, he tried to catch my eye, like a dog sitting by its master.