help Denas to make money. I
arrange her business and I play her accompaniments, and, as I said, I
love her and she loves me. Why, I have done without cigars to buy
medicines for her; and if that isn't a proof of my devotion, I do not
know how to give one! I can tell you that Mademoiselle Denasia is a
great favourite with everyone."

"Mademoiselle Denasia!" cried Elizabeth with the utmost scorn.
"Mademoiselle! and Denasia! However, she might well change her name."

"She did not change her name. She was baptised Denasia."

"Robert went to hear her sing. He says it was in a fourth-rate place,
and I can tell you he was burning with indignation to see his
brother-in-law playing a piano there."

"Then he ought to let his anger burn to some purpose. Signor Maria
says that if Denasia had proper masters and was sent to Italy for two
or three years she could sing in grand opera. Mind, Maria says that;
not I. Suppose you get Robert to send Denas to Italy."

"I will do nothing at all for Denas. And I think, Roland, that you
ought to do something for yourself. I hate to think of my own brother
taking his living from that fisherman's daughter. It is a shame!
Father brought you up like a gentleman, sent you to college, gave you
an opportunity----"

"If father had given me a profession of any kind, if he had put me in
the army or the navy, I should be to blame. If he had bought me a kit
of carpenters' tools and had me taught how to use them, I should be no
man at all if I looked to a woman for a living. But he did not. He
sent me to college, gave me expensive tastes, and then got me a desk
in a bank, where the only prospect before me was to add figures for
the rest of my life for two pounds a week. Naturally I looked around
for something more to my liking. I found Denasia. I loved her. She
loved me. I could play, she could sing, and we made twenty-five pounds
a week. That is the true state of the case."

"And do you intend to spend your life playing accompaniments to
fishing-songs?"

"No. I am studying for the stage."

"Roland Tresham! Roland Tresham!"

"I think I have a new conception of the character of Orlando and I
flatter myself the Romeo is yet to be played. I shall attempt it next
winter. Now, Elizabeth, all the summer is before us. If you will not
ask us to Burrell Court, then do in sisterly kindness send us to some
quiet sea-side place to study. We could, of course, come to Penelles'
cottage----"

"No, you could