I give you your chance, lady, but already I weaken.

Go quickly, if you go at all.
Please leave me, for I am very unhappy." Maggie stole quietly out and made her way through the jostling throng back to her own box, which for the moment was empty.

She slipped on her cloak, and from the hidden spaces where she stood she looked across the auditorium.

The silent figure in green silk robes was still seated in his place, his eyes following the movements of the dancers, his head a little thrown back, a slight weariness in his face.

He was still alone.
He still had the air of being alone because it was his desire.