There was a necessary interval of twenty minutes for the fitting out of the stage—­during which time the amateur orchestra performed selections from “Semiramide,” but, happily, not loud enough to interfere with the easy flow of conversation all over the room.  The second flutist, while looking over his shoulder angrily at the garrulous audience, executed a false note, which almost threw the first (and only) violinist into fits.  In turning round to rebuke the errant performer, the violinist struck his elbow against a similar projection of the other flutist, and knocked a false note out of that gentleman too, besides momentarily ruffling his temper.  This little episode diffused unhappiness over the entire music.

CHAPTER III.

ACT SECOND.

The spectators had been told that there were imposing stage effects in the second and last act; and they were not disappointed.  The entire front was filled with furniture, real mahogany and brocade, leaving barely room for human beings to walk about.  The background was a perspective of pillars, conveying the idea of unlimited saloons, all opening into each other.  Three Bohemian vases, filled with natural flowers, were placed on pedestals in places where they would be least in the way, if it were possible to make such a discrimination.  But the great feature of the scene was a magnificent paper chandelier of nine candles, which hung from the centre of the framework, and made every spectator, while he admired, tremble with fear that it would set the house on fire.

At a small table in front, covered by a rich cloth, sat the heroine, dressed in a gorgeousness of apparel that mocked her misery.  Beneath the gems that studded her bosom, there was supposed to be unappeasable wretchedness; and the white brow, covered with a spangled wreath, was presumed to ache with mental agony.  She was pale and beautiful.  Murmurs of applause ran round the apartment.

By her side was the faithful Bidette, armed with a bottle of salts.  She bent affectionately over her mistress, and asked if she wanted anything.

“Nothing, my child—­but death,” was the thrilling reply.

Bidette was taken somewhat aback.  She made a respectful pause.  Then she said: 

“But, my dear mistress, though you do not love Signor Rodicaso—­”

“In Heaven’s name, stop, child!  You are piercing my heart with a hot iron.  Name not love to me.  Henceforth I erase it from the tablets of my brain.  Now go on” (with tranquil despair).

“I was about to say, dear mistress, please, that Signor Rodicaso has a splendid town house, and a beautiful country seat (they say), and thousands of acres of land, which will all be yours—­”

The eloquent grief of her mistress’s face checked the maid.

“Bidette,” she said, “I shall want but a small portion of all his lands.”

“What do you mean, dear mistress?” asked the frightened maid.