The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1879-04-12
eyes; here is the boy; I will do my


part"
The manager blindly obeyed the
strong will and steady purpose of the
master mind; as people in emergency
generally do, whatever their relative
positions in the world.
Anna Carolla passed on TO the stage,
and advancing at once to the footlights,
stood for one moment, her tall COM
manding form and her beautiful head
drawn erect, unfinchingly facing the
crowd, meeting full even the astonished
gaze of the Emperor himself, and the
wondering look of her lover in the Or
chestra, below her.
Then she said, In voice not loud, but
clear as bell with cool, steady author
ity in every measured accent;
am here by the managers orders.
HIS imperial majesty has been robbed to
night Of rare diamond, and the thief is
in the house. Every one" and the
speakers dark eyes swept the audience
from gallery to floor, lis at once to
withdraw quietly and in order; any
one attempting to remain will be imme-
diately arrested. The band will also re-
tire at once"
Even as she spoke her ear, painfully
listening for the sound, could hear the
warm breath of flames from the back /;
but, unmoved she stepped back, swept
deep obeisance to the audience and
Emperor, and the curtain fell.
The Emperor Immediately left his
box, whispering to the gentleman to
whom he had before pointed out Anna
Carolla:
There is something behind all this.
I am not robbed. Send Colonel Berg
mann round to summon the manager TO
our carriage door,"
Meanwhile, the vast crowd filtered
rapidly, in quiet order and in safety out,
only learning at the door, as they hur-
ried away, the awful death by FIRE or
crushing from which the brave and
quiek-witted girl had saved them. The
last few to leave the auditorium smelt
the fire and heard the cracking of
flames, and hurried wildly, spreading
the alarm. But the terrible cry Of fire
came too late 10 do mischief, and once
outside, the police and soldiery, under
the cool directions of the Emperor him
self, kept order. And though the flames
mounted at first, Annals timely scov-
cry, and the energetic measures taken,
forced the fire under. In less than an
hour and half it was completely
drenched out, and the mutilated opera
house left in charge of the police.
Then, and not till then, did the EN-
peror dismount from the horse he had
used, and returned to his carriage. As
he did so, he paused suddenly:
Bergmann, seel there goes that Ital-
ian girl herself, leaning on the arm of
the young fellow who led the band SO
splendidly tonight Go and see who
and what they are"
Colonel Bergman departed to obey
the order, and the Emeror drove of.
The next day the whole story was in
the government organ, with an intima-
ton, "inspired, of course, from that
quarter that his Imperial Majesty had
graciously caused inquiries to be made
about the young chorus singer.
A few days later, old Herr Rosenfeldt
received an official intimation that his
gifted son Carl, and his fancee, Anna
Carolla, were both under imperial pro-
lection, and their marriage was desired
to take place as soon Is possi5 Die, the En-
peror lowering the bride. The mana
ger also received similar intimation
through Colonel Bergmann, that his late
chorus singer was to be brought for
ward, and advertised for the re-opening
of the opera as Madame Carolla Roeen.
feldt.
Once more the elite of gay Vienna
crowded the opera-house to witness the
debut O. the new singer, as Agsta in
" Der Freischutz"
The moment she came on she was re-
ceived with furore which might we'll
make Carl Rosenfeldt proud of his
beautiful young wife; and if for roy
atty was her grateful glance and sweep
ing salute, for him was the smile in the
soft, dark eyes, that met him Tor one
second. When the curtain fell, the new
star was called for, and showered with
bouquets. From the imperial box was
flung one in which lay nestled costly
bracelet, in the center of which blazed
diamond of rare value and beauty.
THAT FIRE has made our fortune,
Carl" his young wife said, smiling, as
they drove home.
Nay, Anna, your own courage and
quickness," answered Rosenfeldt "That
was diamond rarer than the imperial
gift"
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