"One of the troupe is ill, and I wish to obtain some one to supply
her place-but I suppose you are unacquainted with any opera?"

"I will engage to perfect myself in any one within a week."

"I cannot wait so long. To-night is the evening I most desire your
services," Cartillos replied, in despair.

"What is announced in the programme?"

"Lucia," was the gloomy response.

"If that is all, sir, I ask but seven hours practice and study. I am
familiar with it, but need instruction in the acting of it."

Her companion eagerly replied that he would engage her for that
night at least, and was departing to send some one to instruct her,
when she timidly inquired:

"But my dress, sir-how shall I arrange that matter?"

"O, I'll see to that! You prepare yourself in the part-I'll do the
rest," and he was gone in an instant.

Night came, and also a crowded house. Presently the people became
impatient, and with eagerness called for the commencement of the
performance; at the expiration of five minutes whistling, screaming,
stamping, etc., the manager made his appearance and announced "that
Signora Buanatti was unable to appear, but Signorina Zampieri had