, not only my vision, but my whole powers of thought and feeling,
upon the admirable object before me. I saw--I felt--I knew that I was
deeply, madly, irrevocably in love--and this even before seeing the face
of the person beloved. So intense, indeed, was the passion that consumed
me, that I really believe it would have received little if any abatement
had the features, yet unseen, proved of merely ordinary character, so
anomalous is the nature of the only true love--of the love at first
sight--and so little really dependent is it upon the external conditions
which only seem to create and control it.

While I was thus wrapped in admiration of this lovely vision, a sudden
disturbance among the audience caused her to turn her head partially
toward me, so that I beheld the entire profile of the face. Its beauty
even exceeded my anticipations--and yet there was something about it
which disappointed me without my being able to tell exactly what it
was. I said "disappointed," but this is not altogether the word. My
sentiments were at once quieted and exalted. They partook less of
transport and more of calm enthusiasm of enthusiastic repose. This state
of feeling arose, perhaps, from the Madonna-like and matronly air of
the face; and yet I at once understood that it could not have arisen
entirely from this. There was something else--some mystery which I
could not develope--some expression about the countenance which slightly
disturbed me while it greatly heightened my interest. In fact, I was
just in that condition of mind which prepares a young and susceptible
man for any act of extravagance. Had the lady been alone, I should
undoubtedly have entered her box and accosted her at all hazards; but,
fortunately, she was attended by two companions--a gentleman, and a
strikingly beautiful woman, to all appearance a few years younger than
herself.

I revolved in my mind a thousand schemes by which I might obtain,
hereafter, an introduction to the elder lady, or, for the present, at
all events, a more distinct view of her beauty. I would have removed
my position to one nearer her own, but the crowded state of the theatre
rendered this impossible; and the stern decrees of Fashion had, of late,
imperatively prohibited the use of the opera-glass in a case such as
this, even had I been so fortunate as to have one with me--but I had
not--and was thus in despair.

At length I bethought me of applying to my companion.

"Talbot," I said,