”only then. I like singing. I like to see an audience moved. I must sing. Singing is my life. But do you know what that means? That means that I belong to the public, and so I can’t hide myself. That means that I am always — always — surrounded by ‘admirers.’“

“Well?”

“Well, I don’t like them. I don’t like any of them. And I don’t like them in the mass. Why can’t I just sing, and then belong simply to myself? They are for ever there, my ‘admirers.’ Men of wealth, men of talent, men of adventure, men of wits — all devoted, all respectful, all ready to marry me. Some honorable, according to the accepted standard, others probably dishonorable. And there is not one but whose real desire is to