Sealed Lips — page 122: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

114 SEALED LIPS. “You also remember my objections. I said that a composer is foolish to marry an artist who sings his roles.” “T conclude that you have changed your opinion.” “It is not my opinion that has changed, but cir- cumstances are not the same. The musician Gode- froid is dead and buried.” “Good!” said the young man, with forced gayety, “thisis a burial notice which very much resembles amarriage invitation. Asto the marriage, I am with you. But as to the burial, I take exceptions.” “No, my dear friend, make no exceptions. ‘Con- stantin’ will be my last work, not so much because itis not appreciated as for a more peremptory rea- son; [ have not strength necessary for it. Even if I had my confidence would fail me.” “My dear Godefroid, I do not merit this half frankness. You are forty-five years old. A few days ago we added up your fortune. Your first great work succeeded, certainly financially. Some say that you have deceived yourself. Nobody has pretended that you are not a great artist. And now, at this very moment, you pose as a van- quished man, forced from the battle-field. Now then! Why not open your heart tome? Why not tell me, ‘I love Jenny Sauval more than music. I prefer rather than the glory of writing chef d’c@uvres the joy of making the one who holds my happiness in her hands my wife.’ Do you not suppose that I would do as much if in your place?”