"Oh, yes! more depth in the darkness, and more glory in the light; less electric expression, more ideal serenity,--above all, more pain above the forehead, more peace about the crown. Moonlight without a moon, sunshine without the solar rays,--the day of heaven." "I can only say, Miss Lawrence, that you deserve to be able to do as you have done, and to feel that no one else could have done it." "Very exclusive, that feeling, but perhaps necessary. I have it, but my deserts will only be transcended if Seraphael himself shall approve. And now for another question,--Will you go with me to this choir-day?" "I am trying to imagine what you mean. I have not heard the name until you spoke it. Is it in the North?" "Certainly not; though even York Minster would not be a bad notion--that is to say, it would suit our Beethoven exactly; but this is another hierarch. What do you think of an oratorio in Westminster Abbey, the conductor our own, the whole affair of his? No wonder you have heard nothing; it has been kept very snug, and was only arranged by the interposition of various individuals whose influence is more of mammon than of art,--the objection at first being chiefly on the part of the profession; but that is overruled by their being pretty nearly every one included in the orchestra. Such a thing is never likely to occur again. Say that you will go with me. If it be anything to you, I shall give you one of the best seats, in the very centre, where you will see and hear better than most people. Imagine the music in that place of tombs,--it is a melancholy but glorious project; may we realize it!" _I_ could not at present,--it was out of the question; nor could I bear to stay,--there was nothing for it but to make haste out, where the air made solitude. I bade the paintress good morning, and quitted her. I believe she understood my frame. CHAPTER XIV. I walked home also, and was tolerably tired. Entering the house as one at home there, I found nobody at home, no Starwood,--no Chevalier. I lay upon the sofa in a day-dream or two, and when rested, went out into the garden. I searched every corner, too, in vain; but wandering past the dividing hedge, a voice floated articulately over the still afternoon.