was not a phenomenal one, and Roland, as her
husband and business agent, received no extraordinary amount of
respect. He was offended where he had no reason for offence--offended
often because everyone did not recognise him as a member of an old
Cornish family and the son of an ex-lord mayor of London. Often he
felt obliged, in order to satisfy his own self-respect, to make the
fact known; and the chaff, or indifference, or incredulity, with which
his claims were received made him change his opinions regarding the
"jolly company of actors." In fact, he was undoubtedly at this period
of Denasia's career her very worst enemy; for whatever Denasia might
be, Roland and his pretensions were usually regarded as a great bore.

One afternoon in May he became thoroughly disgusted with the life he
had chosen for himself. The bright sunshine made the shabby carpet and
tawdry furniture and soiled mirrors intolerably vulgar. They had just
finished a badly cooked, crossly served, untidy dinner, and Roland had
no cigar to mend it. Denasia had not eaten at all; she lay on the
bright blue sofa with shut eyes, and her faded beauty and faded dress
were offensive to the fastidious young man.

She was thinking of her father's cottage, of the love at its hearth,
and of the fresh salt winds blowing all around it. Roland half-divined
her thoughts, and his own wandered to Burrell Court and his
long-neglected sister.

Suddenly he resolved to go and see her. Elizabeth had always plenty
of money, then why should he be without it? And the desire having
entered his heart, he was as imperative as a spoiled child for its
gratification. Denasia's physical condition did not appeal to him in
any degree; he could not help her weakness and suffering, and
certainly it was very inconvenient for him. He felt at that hour as
if Denasia had broken her part of their mutual compact, which had
not included illness or loss of prestige and beauty. He turned
sharply to her and said:

"Denasia, I am going to St. Penfer. I shall have to sell a ring or
something valuable in order to get the fare, but I see no other way.
Elizabeth never disappointed my expectations; she will give me money,
I am sure."

"Don't leave me, Roland. I will get well, I will indeed, dear. I am
better this afternoon. In a few days--in a week, Roland, I can find
some place to sing. Please have a little patience. Oh, do, my dear!"

"Little patience! What are you saying, Denasia? You are ver