He pushed the Violinist towards the door and closed it behind him; then he fell back against the wall and listened. The noise in the House was like a mob let loose.
"Brünnhilde! Why doesn't she come? Bring her before the curtain!… Brünnhilde!"
"I must go," he said, "I must speak to them—tell them anything—she is ill—she is exhausted! Something—it doesn't matter! I must go and quiet the tumult!"
The Kapellmeister leaned for a moment against the background of the scenery; he looked at the door and listened. The House was going mad: "Brünnhilde! Brünnhilde!"
Then, staggering a little, with his hands to his face, he went out on the stage.
CHAPTER XXIV.
"Kaya!"
"Velasco! Ah, Velasco! Don't come—don't touch—me!"
He sprang forward.