The second act was listened to by the vast audience in a silence that was almost complete.
Now and then Charmian whispered a word or two to Claude. Once she said:
"Isn't it wonderful, the silence of a crowd? Doesn't it show how absorbed they are?"
And again:
"I think it's such a mercy that modern methods of composition give no opportunity to the audience to break in with applause. Any interruption would ruin the effect of the act as a whole."
Claude just moved his head in reply.
Everything was satisfactory. Jacob Crayford had been right. The opera was ready for production and was "going" without a hitch. The elaborate scenic effects were working perfectly. Miss Mardon had never been more admirable, more completely mistress of her art. Nor had she ever looked more wonderful. Alston Lake's success was assured. His voice filled the great house without difficulty. Even Charmian and Claude were surprised by its volume and beauty.
"Isn't Alston splendid?" whispered Charmian once.
"Yes," Claude replied.
He added, after a pause: