138
"Matters, however, were coming to a crisis, and were shaping towards the dreadful way in which they ended.
"One day a grand concert was to be given at, and L who was to play having been taken ill, Teleny was asked to take his place. It was an honour he could not refuse.
"'I am loath to leave you,' said he, 'even for a day or two, for I know that just now you are so busy that you cannot possibly get away, especially as your manager is ill.'
"'Yes,' said I, 'it is rather awkward, still I might'
"'No, no, it would be foolish; I'll not allow you.'
"'But you know it is so long since you played at a concert where I was not present.'
"You'll be present in mind if not in body. I shall see you sitting in your usual place, and I shall play for you and you alone. Besides, we have never been parted for any length of time—no, not for a single day since Briancourt's letter. Let us try and see if we can live apart for two days. Who knows? Perhaps, some time or other'
