“and now, after I have inquired about your health, I must go. It is late. Are you better, Alresca?”

“I am better now that you are here,” he smiled. “But you must not go yet. It is many days since I heard a note of music. Sing to me before you go.”

“To-night?”

“Yes, to-night.”

“What shall I sing?”

“Anything, so that I hear your voice.”

“I will sing ‘Elsa’s Dream.’ But who will accompany? You know I simply can’t play to my own singing.”

I gathered together all my courage.