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spied an item that interested her. “A local group is going to put on Phantom of the Opera ,” she said. “I want to be a part of that.”
    â€œI saw the note,” he said. “I did not realize it would interest you.”
    â€œWell, I’m a violinist, or at least I was in college. I can play well enough, but drifted away from it when I got married. I’d like to get my hand back in.” She lifted her voice, addressing the unseen guards. “Can I do that? Will it interfere with my job here?”
    Sam and Martha appeared. “If the violin was part of your life before, it makes sense for it to be part now,” Sam said. “Your husband can take you to rehearsals.”
    â€œOh, goody!” She actually clapped her hands, little girl style.
    She brought out her violin, practicing. Gloaming was intrigued. “This is music!”
    And he was musical. “Would you like to try it?”
    â€œYes.” He took her violin, put it to his chin, and played. Perfectly. The first time.
    Lida stared. It had taken her years to slowly build up proficiency. “You’ve had practice!”
    â€œNo, this is my first time. Musical instruments come naturally to me.”
    So it seemed. He truly was a musical genius.
    She tried out for the position, and qualified. The local group did not have many really competent violinists, but she would have qualified anyway; she knew her craft. Gloaming watched and listened, clearly pleased with her success. She liked that.
    That night he almost initiated sex. “If you are interested,” he said cautiously.
    â€œOf course I am,” she said warmly. She was pleased by her qualification for the position, and by the way it seemed to turn him on. He had become a challenge, apart from the larger situation. Maybe it was that her musical competence in some small way echoed his, so he liked that. At any rate, he kissed her and clasped her and thrust into her in a manner he had not before. He was getting there.
    She participated in the rehearsals, and Gloaming sat in the sparse audience and watched. “But it must be boring for you,” she told him at home. “It’s just the same thing each time, and you already know it.”
    â€œI am appreciating you.”
    She paused. “I am the same person as always. You already know me well enough.”
    â€œI receive pleasure from watching you perform. More each time. You are pretty and competent and animated. This feeling is new to me.”
    â€œGloaming! Are you falling in love with me?”
    â€œI would if you allowed it.”
    â€œWhat a thing to say! Of course I allow it. We are supposed to be a couple.”
    He hesitated, which was unusual for him, and she realized that he was trying to find a way to express himself without offending her. “You follow the forms, and you teach me well. But hostility remains. I can’t love you until you wish it.”
    â€œI still love Quincy,” she said, recognizing the justice of his perception. “I am playing a role, and you know it. Oh, Gloaming, I’m sorry! It’s not your fault.”
    â€œI am not yet worthy of you. But I will try.”
    â€œWorthy! I’m a nobody. You’re a genius!”
    â€œIn certain respects I am, by your definition. But emotionally I am a moron. I do not know how to win your love.”
    Lida suffered an unkind revelation. “Is this why you don’t initiate sex?”
    â€œI am unable to urge you to do a thing you do not wish to do.”
    She considered that, and dissolved into tears. She had never been really interested in sex for its own sake, but now it was a measure of her success with him and she wanted it to work. It was like getting a paycheck: a reward for sometimes-dreary employment. She could see why that did not turn him on. She was not treating him right.
    â€œIf I have hurt you, I regret it,” he said, plainly out of sorts.
    â€œIt’s