“Almost. And I read a great deal, although no reviews, newspapers, and few novels.”
“And is this to go on forever? How do you define the word ‘life’?”
“All that I most wish to forget.”
“Then if you had not this wonderful voice, you would not live at all,” he adventured.
Her eyes gleamed, and for the moment she seemed about to turn the remark aside. But she looked at him unflinchingly, and finally answered, “No.”
“Then art does suffice. It is very interesting to learn that.”
“It once saved me from death—when I was almost dead. Every one else had succumbed. It was the knowledge of that golden wonder in my throat and the memory of the ecstasy in pouring it forth that kept the breath in my body.”
“Tell me about it!” He sat up eagerly.
She shook her head. “I never think of it. I cannot imagine what has brought it to my mind to-night.” She bent her head and looked at him keenly. “Yes, there is a slight resemblance,” she added thoughtfully.
“You are unfair. I am mad with curiosity. Tell me. Tell me.”