He was looking very pale, had dark rings under his eyes, and moved his hands nervously while he was speaking.
"That was it!" exclaimed Alston.
"Yes, that was it."
Charmian and Alston exchanged a quick glance.
"When you've done the finale," Alston said, with the firmness of one who spoke with permission, even perhaps by special request, "will the opera be practically finished?"
"Finished? Good Heavens, no!"
"Well, but if it's the finale of the whole opera?" said Charmian.
"I've got bits here and there to do, and a lot to re-do."
Again Charmian and the American exchanged glances.
"I say, old chap," said Alston. "You read Balzac, don't you?"