response, she had hardly the strength to perform her part; yet she
acquitted herself so well, that her emotion was unnoticed. The
person who caused this wild tumult in Teresa's frame, was a stately,
handsome man, evidently of high birth, and apparently forty-five
years of age, although the raven curls around the high, majestic
brow were untouched by time. The slightly aquiline features, and
dark, flashing eyes, revealed the haughty spirit within, which was
softened, however, by the look of sorrow around the mouth, and the
general expression of a settled grief. He was dressed in black,
relieved by a brilliant and splendid order on the left breast, and
unaccompanied, save by a servant in white and gold livery.

The nobleman, for such his appearance declared him, was evidently a
stranger in the city, for every glass was levelled at him, but he
seemed quite unconscious, and wholly indifferent. At the conclusion
of the opera, roused from his languor by the thrilling manner in
which Teresa rendered the last aria, the now animated listener rose
and gracefully threw a garland of white lilies with such admirable
precision, that they encircled the beautiful head of Teresa; upon
which the audience, delighted at the compliment paid in so marked a
manner, no less to the well known purity, than the wonderful voice
of their favorite, made the theatre ring with their applause.

As soon as possible, Teresa arrived at her own apartments, and
throwing herself on her knees, buried her face in the cushions of a
lounge, while faint murmurs and sobs alone broke the stillness.
Nearly a quarter of an hour had elapsed, when the opening of the
door roused her, and starting up, she beheld Villani about to enter.
Hastily motioning him not to advance, she wildly said: