Page:Teleny, or The Reverse of the Medal, t. II.djvu/146

 "Matters, however, were coming to a crisis, and were shaping towards the dreadful way in which they ended.

"One day a grand concert was to be given at, and L who was to play having been taken ill, Teleny was asked to take his place. It was an honour he could not refuse.

I am loath to leave you,' said he, 'even for a day or two, for I know that just now you are so busy that you cannot possibly get away, especially as your manager is ill.'

Yes,' said I, 'it is rather awkward, still I might'

No, no, it would be foolish; I'll not allow you.'

But you know it is so long since you played at a concert where I was not present.'

"You'll be present in mind if not in body. I shall see you sitting in your usual place, and I shall play for you and you alone. Besides, we have never been parted for any length of time—no, not for a single day since Briancourt's letter. Let us try and see if we can live apart for two days. Who knows? Perhaps, some time or other'