Ben-Hur uttered a great groan.
"Then-then it is another hope broken!" he said,struggling with his feelings. "I am used to disappointments. I pray you pardon my intrusion; and if I have occasioned you annoyance, forgive it because of my sorrow. I have nothing now to live for but vengeance. Farewell."
At the curtain he turned, and said, simply, "I thank you both."