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From my shelter I watched as, farther and farther away, the heads began to turn From places where I had not been visible I heard theI had disappeared froht, the first to rise had dropped back into their seats as if ashamed, but others increased the uneasy tumult of low, tense sounds

My brain worked quickly I understood the shuddering thrill that passed over the audience It was as if all my life I had seen such vast assemblies, and knew the laws that rule their souls Even before it ca out:-"What is it? Is it--fire?"

And fro call--not a question this time, not hesitant, but quick and sharp:--"Fire!"

What should I do? Why was not John or Mr Hynes there to tell h my mind Should I stand once more? Showatwas over as soon as it began

Those who had started the confusion and who understood its cause, began shouting:-"Sit down! Sit down!"

Fro down:-"What--fool--said--that?"

There was a little laugh, a hiss or two rebuked the disorder; then the baton signalled the orchestra, and the music recommenced, smoothly and in perfect time; the conductor had never turned his head The curtain went up; the incident was closed

I drew a long, sighing breath of relief as one, then another, then all together, as if by a single impulse, the people sat down in their places It had been but an instant The painted stage, the glittering court ladies, Isabella on her throne, the suppliant Colo had happened

"First-rate orchestra," muttered Robert Van Dam

The General turned in her chair and looked at me She did not speak, but I could see that she was excited; it seeht, and that her strong, square-chinned face looked curiously satisfied

"Let's go," I gasped; "I want to go hoh not unhappy, I felt as if I wished to run, to fly; but, as I tottered out of the box, I could scarcely stand Mr Van Da In the corridor ere joined by Peggy and the florid young ? You are not going?" Peggy cried She breathed quickly, and her teeth and eyes alike see?"