re full of gratitude, and
Carlo soon finds himself at court and loaded with honors. In his new
position he meets with Raphael d'Estuniga, Casilda's lover.

In despair at having lost his lady-love he is about to appeal to the
Devil for help, when Carlo appears, presenting himself as Satan. He
promises his help on condition that Raphael shall give him one half of
all his winnings. This is a condition easily accepted, and Raphael is
made a Court Official through Carlo's influence.

Meanwhile the clergy vainly try to ensnare the King again; Carlo is
like his better self; he {35} disperses his Sire's melancholy by
singing to him and rekindles his interest in government.

Raphael, feeling quite secure in his league with the Devil, begins to
play; he is fortunate, but Carlo never fails to claim the share, which
is willingly surrendered to him.

All at once Casilda appears on the scene to put herself under the
protection of her brother, the priests having found out her refuge.
She recognizes the King, and tells her brother that it was he, to whom
she was taken against her will. The King believes her to be a ghost
and his reason threatens to give way, but Carlo assures him that the
girl is living. The Queen, who knows nothing of her husband's secret,
here interrupts the conversation and bids Carlo follow her.

Meanwhile Raphael and Casilda have an interview, but the King comes
suddenly upon them and at once orders Raphael to be put to death, the
latter having failed in the reverence due to his Sovereign. Raphael
however trusting in the Devil's help does not let his spirits sink and
Carlo actually saves him by telling the King, that Casilda is Raphael's
wife.

But the Grand-Inquisitor succeeds in discovering this untruth, and in
exciting the King's anger against his favorite. Carlo, much
embarrassed, obtains an interview with the King, and confessing the
whole truth assures him, that the Queen knows as yet nothing and
implores him to give his thoughts and his affections once more to her
and to his country. {36} The King, touched to generosity, gives his
benediction to the lovers, together with a new title for Raphael, who
is henceforth to be called Count of Puycerda. Now at last Raphael
learns that the so-called Devil is his bride's brother, who tells him
that this time his share lies in making two lovers happy, a share which
gives him both pleasure and content.

CARMEN.

Opera in four acts by GEORGE BIZE