CHAPTER VII.

Waikato Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2051, 29 August 1885, Page 5 (Supplement)

CHAPTER VII.

On the second night of the opara the appl'oationa for planes wero too numerous to be received. Among the crowded audience, I recognised many of my hiends. They persisted in believing an a'oeurd report (first circulated, ns I imagine, by the Dootor), which assorted that my interest in the new singer was something more than ths interest of an old friend. Wben I went behind the t-cenea to congratulate Jeanne on her success, I was aunoyed another way— and by the Doctor again. Ho followed me to Jranne's room, to offer 7iu congratulations; and ho begged that I would introduce him to the charming prima-donm. Having expressed hi.: admiration, he looked at mo with his inBolently suggestive sinila, and said ho could not think of prolonging his intrusion. Oa leaving the room, ho noticed Undo David, waiting as usual to take caro of Jeanne on her return from tho theatre— looked at him uttrntively — bowed, and went out. The next morning, I received a note from the I)aror.c=r, expiessed in theso terms : — " More nev/s 1 My rooms lock out on the wing ot tho palaco in which the Doctor is lo'lgeu. Half an hour i>ince, I discovered him at his window, giving a letter to a person who is a prrangsr to me. Tho man loft tho pivlcce immediately nfterwarda. My maid followed him, by rsj erections. Inatcod of putting the letter in tho post, ha took a iidiofc at ths railway elation— for what place tho eei\n.nt v,as unublo to discover. Here, you will obacrvo, ia a Idler important enough to be despatched by opeciil messenger, and written at a time when 'ao have Micccedcd in freeing ourselves ficni the Doctor's BU?picioj)s. It is at least posriblo that ho ha*? decided on suniing a fnvouiablc report of tho Pnnccsi te the Grand Duke. I£ tlm is the cn'o, pleaso consider whether you will not act wisely (in her Uighnesi'd interest?} by keeping aw&y from lho concert." Viewing this suggestion as another act of impeitinence on the part of the Baroness, I pci«i«ted in my intention of going to tho concert. It was for tho Pnnccbs to decide what cour-TG of conduct I was bound to follow. Whnt diJ I care for tho Doctor's report to the Duko ! Shall I own itiy lolly ? Ido really bfliu\c I was jealous of the Duko.