The Ghost by Arnold Bennet Chapter 5 Page 19

“I’m an awful player,” I said, “but I know the whole score of ‘Lohengrin.’“

“How clever of you!” Rosa laughed. “I’m sure you play beautifully.”

Alresca rewarded me with a look, and, trembling, I sat down to the piano. I was despicably nervous. Before the song was finished I had lost everything but honor; but I played that accompaniment to the most marvellous soprano in the world.

And what singing! Rosa stood close beside me. I caught the golden voice at its birth. Every vibration, every shade of expression, every subtlety of feeling was mine; and the experience was unforgettable. Many times since then have I heard Rosa sing, many times in my hearing has she excited a vast audience to