unhurt, there was still a rumor that she had been wounded; and, fearing
some demonstration from the people, the young Queen's advisers thought it
best for her to appear in some public place and convince the people of her
safety.

It was during the opera season, and it was decided that her Majesty should
occupy her box there for a part of the performance.

The house was very crowded; and the opera was half over when Victoria
reached her box.

The great singer, Jenny Lind, was singing at the moment of her arrival,
and so entranced was the audience with the song, that it did not become
aware of her presence, until the singer broke off, silenced the orchestra
with a gesture, and walking to the front of the stage, made a low curtsey
to the Queen's box, and then lifting up her glorious voice, began to sing
the national anthem, "God Save the Queen."

The effect was electrical.

The orchestra took up the strain with her. The chorus rushed on to the
stage to join their voices to the hymn. The audience started to its feet,
women waved their handkerchiefs and wept with excitement; men shouted and
joined their voices to swell the great chorus.

The poor young Queen, whose courage had been tried enough during the day,
stood in the front of her box, bowing and smiling, until at last the scene
became more than she could bear; then she burst into tears, and had to
leave the opera-house.