Albert Kinross

“ Here Merceron turned aside, deferring other speculations, hoping against hope. He rang, instead, for shaving-water and breakfast.
"By-the-by, Hancock," he carelessly inquired, as the man returned, "were you in last night?"
"Yes, sir."
Harvey's eyes were on his servant's face; here surely was no stealer of operas—absurd!
"Did anybody call after I went out?" he continued, selecting a razor.
"A gentleman, sir; he wouldn't leave his name or any message. He said he'd wait a little as you were out, sir; and, as he was a gentleman, I showed him into the sitting-room." ”

“ Bah, he was no longer a musician, but a man, merely a man! This afternoon there would be greater music than any he might ever compose! It was well that Isabella had passed out of his life; she had no place in the new existence that spread before him. He was going to listen now! Other men could spend their lives over Isabellas ”

“ Despite these unconcerned exclamations, the thought of ringing up and interrogating his man occurred to him as he turned away, still laughing; but it was too early in the morning for Hancock to be astir, and he wasn't "going to wake the beggar; hardly worth while, hanged if it is!" ”