oward fanning into flame the
embers of matrimonial rebellion. I know no case where such serious
consequences may be produced, with so little danger of implication to
the prime mover of the discontent, except it be the system of the
patriotic and intrepid Mazzini. Many outbreaks, perhaps--quelled after
much loss on both sides, in which the monarchy was only saved by the
judicious expenditure of much _mitraille_--might have been traced to the
covert influence of that mild-eyed, melancholy _cameriste_.

Cecil, who was not exempt from these revolutionary tendencies, any more
than from other weaknesses of her sex, was especially provoked by this
fresh instance of Fanny's subordination.

"Mrs. Molyneux is perfectly at liberty to form her own plans," she said,
very haughtily. "Beyond a certain point, I should no more dream of
interfering with them than she would with mine. She is quite right to
change her mind as often as she thinks proper, only in this instance I
should have thought it was hardly worth while."

"Well," Keene answered, in his cool, slow way, "Mrs. Molyneux has got
that unfortunate habit of consulting other people's wishes and
convenience in preference to her own; it's very foolish and weak; but it
is so confirmed, that I doubt even _your_ being able to break her of it.
This time I am sure you won't. It is a pity you are so determined on
disappointing the public. I know of more than one person who has put off
other engagements in anticipation of hearing you sing."

He was perfectly careless about provoking her now, or he would have been
more cautious. That particular card was the very last in his hand to
have played. Miss Tresilyan was good-nature itself in placing her
talents at the service of any man, woman, or child who could appreciate
them. She would go through half her _repertoire_ to amuse a sick friend
any day; neither was she averse to displaying them before the world in
general at proper seasons, but she liked the "boards" to be worthy of
the prima donna, and had no idea of "starring it in the provinces." All
the pride of her race gathered on her brow just then, like a
thunder-cloud, and her eyes flashed no summer lightning.

"Madame de Verzenay was wrong to advertise a performer who does not
belong to her _troupe_. I hope the audience will be patient under their
disappointment, and not break up the benches. If not, she must excuse
herself as best she may. I have signed no engagement, so my consci