CHAPTER VII.
Glenn Andrewstook Esther with him to the concert. It was a great violinist’s last appearance for the season.
She was happily excited, unconsciously holding Glenn by the sleeve. The glitter and glory of this wonderful, new world was dazzling. The violinist, with his long hair and big face of rugged strength, enchained her the moment the music commenced.
With the intensity of her growing enthusiasm, she gripped Glenn’s arm. He was repeatedly recalled.
“I expect one day to see you sway them like that,” he whispered, as the curtain went down for the fourth time.
“Don’t! it is impossible,” she said, sighing. “I am just beginning to feel that my teeth are not strong enough.”
“There was a time when his were not, but he wouldn’t let go,” Glenn said with emphasis.
Tears stood in her eyes. “Don’t do that, I thought it would inspire you to see such result, fulfillment; I believe it’s going to depress you.”
She shook her head.
“I rejoice with him, I’m glad to see him win; but three long years before you are sure of anything—even failure—is hard to look forward to.”
“Did your teacher say it would take you that long?”
“Yes, but I had thought that I would double it; take twice the lessons and practice. After all, I may fail in the end.”
“Hush, you are no weakling. Of course it’s work, it’s drudgery; that’s the bracing part of it. You’ve earned the place when you do get it. An effortless success is only a crueller word for failure;you must not be impatient. I used to have to remind you of that.”
Glenn did not know how she would take this; he had had alluring glimpses of her deeper self, but he must understand her very thoroughly or he could not hold her, charmed.
She did not make any reply.
He was gazing at a box near them and bowed to a majestically handsome woman, splendidly gowned. He touched Richmond Briarley’s arm.
“Mrs. Low and Stephen Kent. Kent is an awfully decent chap. He is lucky to be a protegé of hers. What a lot of good her indorsement has been to him. I knew him on the other side. I am writing the libretto for his new opera. You were at the club Tuesday night when he was my guest. Didn’t you meet him?”
“No, but I heard him play some of his own compositions. Something was said about us both joining the club. It’s too literary for me.”
“I am his voucher. He sails soon and I don’tthink he expects to come into the club until he returns in the winter.”
Glenn turned to Esther, who was absorbed in the last number on the programme.
She spoke softly to him. Gathering up her white silk shawl, he folded it about her shoulders.
“We are going in a minute. The lady you see with white hair in this box next to us is a leader in artistic circles. I want her to know you.”
The curtain fell as they arose. Linking his little finger in hers under the fringe, he led her over to the box. There was something in his manner that expressed beyond question his determination that never while he had strength should the world darken this child’s soul.