He would go back to his work and force himself not to hate it.

It was his only refuge, and he must cling to it for dear life.

And he would not see her again till the night of the first performance of _Elvira_.

She would be in London in a month's time, but he would take care to be out of reach.

He would not meet those glorious eyes or touch that hand again till the die was cast,--upon the fate of _Elvira_ he staked his own.