sounds--the subdued snarl of the cornets, the dull mutter of the
bass viols, the liquid gurgling of the flageolets and wood-wind
instruments, now and then pierced by the strident chirps and cries
of the violins, rose into the air dominating the incessant clamour
of conversation that came from all parts of the theatre.

Then suddenly the house lights sank and the footlights rose. From
all over the theatre came energetic whispers of "Sh! Sh!" Three
strokes, as of a great mallet, sepulchral, grave, came from behind
the wings; the leader of the orchestra raised his baton, then
brought it slowly down, and while from all the instruments at once
issued a prolonged minor chord, emphasised by a muffled roll of the
kettle-drum, the curtain rose upon a mediaeval public square. The
soprano was seated languidly upon a bench. Her grande scene occurred
in this act. Her hair was un-bound; she wore a loose robe of cream
white, with flowing sleeves, which left the arms bare to the
shoulder. At the waist it was caught in by a girdle of silk rope.

"This is the great act," whispered Mrs. Cressler, leaning over
Laura's shoulder. "She is superb later on. Superb."

"I wish those men would stop talking," murmured Laura, searching the
darkness distressfully, for between the strains of the music she had
heard the words:

"--Clearing House balance of three thousand dollars."

Meanwhile the prima donna, rising to her feet, delivered herself of
a lengthy recitative, her chin upon her breast, her eyes looking out
from under her brows, an arm stretched out over the footlights. The