Tter, Monsieur, believe me. I will work so hard, and my voice will come back in time after--" She gazed at him and a mist came over her eyes. "Do take me," she said, "I beg you to take me--I beg you." The Kapellmeister passed his hand over his face: "Tschut, child!" he said, "What are you talking about? Be quiet now and sing this as I tell you. You have heard it before?" "Yes, I have heard it." "And sung it perhaps with Helmanoff?" "Yes--Monsieur." He handed her the score, running his fingers over the bird motive of 'Siegfried,' giving her the key. Then he leaned back again and folded his arms. Kaya gave her head a little backward movement as if to free her throat, and threw off the cloak, standing straight. [Illustration: Fragment of "Siegfried"] The tones came out like the sound of a flute, high and pure; they rose in her throat, swelling it out as she sang, pouring through the arch of her lips without effort or strain. "Bravo!" cried the Director, "Um Himmel's Willen, child, you have a voice like a lark rising in the meadows, and you sing--Bravo! Bravo!" He put out his hands and took the girl's trembling ones into his own. "You will take me?" she said, "You see, when I am not so nervous it will go better." The Kapellmeister laughed and took a card out of his pocket: "Write your name here," he said, "Your real one. I won't tell--and your address." Kaya drew back suddenly: "I live in the mill," she said, "You know, the Nonnen-Muehle by the promenade? You won't let any one know, will you, Monsieur, because--" "Are you afraid of spies, child? Tut,
