human
My dear, she said.
gpt
Does it matter so much which it is?
human
Matter! Of course it does. Everything hangs upon it--for us, I mean, of course. We have given up everything for the opera, altered our lives. It is to be the beginning of everything for us.
gpt
Perhaps it might be that in either case, she said.
human
Dear Charmian, I think preaching is rather odious. I hope I don't often step into the pulpit. But we've talked of many things, of things I care for and believe in. May I tell you something I think with the whole of my mind, and even more than that as it seems to me?
gpt
Yes. Yes, Susan!
human
I think the success or failure only matters really as it affects character, and the relation existing between your soul and your husband's. The rest scarcely counts, I think. And so, if I were to pray about such a thing as this opera, pray with the impulse of a friend who really does care for you, I should pray that your two souls might have what they need, what they must be asking for, whether that is a great success, or a great failure.
gpt
Did I hear the word failure? he said, smiling, as he went up to Susan and took her hand.
human
Charmian, I wonder you allow it to be spoken in our sitting-room.
gpt
I--I didn't--we weren't,
human
Susan has come with a message from Adelaide Shiffney.
gpt
You mean about being let in at a rehearsal?
human
Yes,
gpt
I've just been with Mrs. Shiffney. She called at the theater after you had gone, Charmian. I drove to the Ritz with her and went in.
human
Then of course she spoke about the rehearsal?
gpt
Yes. Madame Sennier dropped in upon us. What do you think of that?
human
Madame Sennier! And did you stay, did you--
gpt
Of course. I thanked her for giving the opera such a lift with her slanders about the libretto. I tackled her. It was the greatest fun. I only wish Crayford had been there to hear me.
human
How did she take it?
gpt
She was furious, I think. I hope so. I meant her to be. But she didn't say much, except that the papers were full of lies, and nobody believed them except fools. When she was going I gave her a piece of news to comfort her.
human
What was that?
gpt
That my opera will be produced the night before her husband's.
human
Well, I must go, she said.
gpt
I've been here a long time, and daresay you both want to rest.
human
Rest! exclaimed Claude.
gpt
That's the last thing we want, isn't it, Charmian?
human
There's another rehearsal to-night after the performance of _Aïda_. You see it's a race, and we mean to be in first. I wish you could have seen Madame Sennier's face when I told her we should produce on the twenty-eighth.
gpt
You come from the enemy's camp, but you do wish us success, don't you?
human
I have just been telling Charmian what I wish you,
gpt
Have you? He wheeled round to Charmian.
human
What was it?
gpt
Oh--what was it?
human
Yes?
gpt
The--the very best! Wasn't it, Susan?
human
Yes. I wished you the very best.
gpt
Capital! Too bad, you are going!
human
Susan Fleet is very quiet, the least obtrusive person I ever met. But she's strange. I believe she sees far.
gpt
I'm going to relax for a minute, Charmian. It's the only way to rest. And I shall be up most of the night.
human
She sees far, I think,