So, while the gay world of Bath wore away the night in the hot chase for pleasure, this brother and sister pursued their calm and earnest way towards the attainment of an end, which has made their names a watch-word for all patient learners and students of the great mysteries of the universe, for all time.
"The thirty-foot reflector, Caroline! That is the grand aim. Shall I ever accomplish it? We must make our move at once, for I must have a basement where I can work undisturbed. I find the pounding of the loam will be a work of patience."
"Like all work," Caroline said, as she retired, not to bed, but to the copying of the score, from which occupation she had been disturbed when her brother called her.
"Expenses are ahead," she said to herself. "Money—money, we shall want money for this thirty-foot; and, after all, it may be a vain hope that we shall produce it. Thirty-foot! Well, music must find the money. Music is our handle, our talisman which is to turn the common things into gold."
"Well, Alex, is that you? Have you been playing as usual?"
"Playing, yes; and you had better play too, you look quite an old Frau, Lina."
"I don't doubt it—not I; a contrast to your painted dames at Wiltshire's."
"One, at least, was not painted. She is a queen!—she is lovely."
Caroline laughed a little ironical laugh.
"Another flame! Poor Alex! you will sure be consumed ere long."