manner returning with every word he uttered. "I may do myself the
pleasure to call again, my love-at present I wish you a good night
and pleasant dreams-of me!" and the door closed on his sardonic
smile.

"Alas," exclaimed Teresa, "he has a hold upon me I dare not attempt
to dispute."

The next morning as she was leaving the stage, after rehearsal, she
was met at the green room door by a familiar face, fine, manly and
handsome-yes, it was Geraldi! With a glad cry of surprise and
delight, Teresa sprang forward, and taking the outstretched hand of
the young man, said in her joyous, musical voice:

"Welcome, my dear friend! How you have improved-I have heard of the
laurels you have won!"

"And you too, Signorina Zampieri-you are paler and thinner than you
were when I last saw you. I know you have prospered as well as
myself, for Fame has not been idle with your name."

"Really signor, we are exquisitely polite and complimentary to each
other, but this is hardly the place for a lengthy conversation,"
said Teresa, laughing, and coloring somewhat, as she met the
slightly mischievous glances of the loungers who generally are to be
found in theatres--"if you are at liberty, why not step into the
carriage, and drive home with me?"

"I shall be most happy," replied Geraldi, with a radiant, delighted
smile, as he accompanied her to the vehicle.