by your outburst of a few moments ago
when you called upon me.''

``I do not need you,'' reiterated the
musician. ``I will have none of you!''
and he waved his arm toward the door,
as if he desired the interview to end.

``I came at your behest, actuated
entirely by kindness of heart,'' said Satan.

Diotti laughed derisively, and Satan,
showing just the slightest feeling at
Diotti's behavior, said reprovingly: ``If
you will listen a moment, and not be so
rude to an utter stranger, we may reach
some conclusion to your benefit.''

``Get thee behind--''

``I know exactly what you were about
to say. Have no fears on that score.
I have no demands to make and no
impossible compacts to insist upon.''

``I have heard of you before,'' know-
ingly spoke the violinist nodding his
head sadly.

``No doubt you have,'' smilingly.