Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-06-26
AFATAL ENCOUNTER.

son whose ARRIVAL the QeleLtantl IN ParlS
always witness with dismay, for then the
first artists and cantatrices of the metrop-
oils leave to reap golden harvest in the
provincial towns. The avenue leading to
the theatre of Pergola was crowded with
long file of brilliant equipages. A con-
siderable crowd, which had not been able
to find places within the house, already
filled by the wealthy and privileged class
Of people, vented their Indignation in
loud words near the principal entrance.
A riot even was expected, so much dis
satisfaction was there manifested in the
language and gestures of the multitude.
But fortunately, the inflammable crowd
at last were pacified.
Madame P. was to appear that night in
the opera of Norma for the last time.
The audience assembled to greet her on
the occasion was composed of the elite of
Florentine society. Never was a more
brilliant dress circle to be seen. In one
OF the side boxes sat the young Count
BacherOni with his friends. This noble
man, well-known for his liberal princi-
pies, was regarded as one of the chiefs of
the Republican party of Florence and
Italy. Indeed, whether from motives of
ambition or disinterestedness, the Count
had always been found arrayed in oppo-
sition to the ancient nobility of Tuscany,
and had always shown himself an ardent
and prompt defender Of the menaced
liberties of the people. The people, who
are never ungrateful when man devotes
himself to the interests of the country,
seeing in him an intrepid protector, cher
ished for him kind of worship ap-
preaching the reverence of son for his
father. Although gifted with an excel
lent education and rare intelligence the
Count partook Of the opinions Of the vul-
gar with regard to stage players, and was
| imbued with the same prejudices. In his
| view an actress was entitled to no respect,
and singer was of less consideration
than the lowest of the populace.
Ensnared by the graces and beauty of
Madame p, he had made to that cele-
brated vocalist offers the most munifcent
and brilliant; but they were met with
continued repulses. The evening of the
| departure of the actress had arrived, and
the Count was no further advanced in her
| good graces. Irritated by her indiffer-
ence and infamed with anger he entered
the theatre with the fixed intention OF
bantering the rebellious cantatrice into a
compliance to his wishes.
Madame P. was in the midst of scene
with the tenor singer Zorelli, who person.
ated the part Of "Palcone, - when the
Count, from his position near the stage
hazarded some pleasantries at first gay
and satir:cal, then gross and injurious
while his friends applauded and laughed
| al hiC ca11ipS ZOrol1i arnpoa oh o6 =, oo,. +r
the box of the Count and listened atten-
lively. So absorbed did he become that
he lost his cue, and forgot his part, while
him, began to hiss. In this he showed
who had pardoned the actor his momen-
tary hesitation. Zorelli leveled an angry
glance at the Count, and resumed his
part. Bacheroni continued his annoying
remarks until the fall of the curtain.
They were yet laughing in the box o.
the count, when the door opened and ;
man appeared upon the threshold. l
was the singer, Zorelli. His face was pale
and his brow contracted with emotion
"Sir Count" he added, advancing
"you have traluced and injured female
when she was without protection agains
your insults; and who had given you NJ
cause except the rejection of your dis
honorable proposals. That female l re.
gard as sister l am the only protect
or she has in the world, and l come tt
demand satisfaction for the wrong you
have done her,
"Faith, you are not over fastidions ir
your selection" replied the Count, will
a phlegmatic air, and with his hanC
he waved Zorelli away, as beneath his
notice.
eff, in order to contend with you, sir
it be necessary that l should be of noble
birth, l will prove that my family is of q
rank equal, If not superior, to your own
but, in the first place, swear that you will
render me satisfaction"
'You nobel" interrupted Bacheroni
"away, away! What would be thought Of
me were l to condesccnd to cross swords
with stroller-a-''
The Count was stopped in the midst Of
his remark by blow from the hand Of
Zorelli.
Bacheroni rushed toward his adversary
but his friends intercepted him and held
him back. The actor remained standing
near the door, with his arms folded upon
his breast. The Count, having been
Gained down, approached him, and said
in whisper, 81 consent"
Name your place, hour and weapon
said Zorelli
cat the San Gallo gate at midnight
with swords; they will make less disturb
ance than fire. arms-the light of the moon
will be enough--there must be no wit
nesses.'
agreed" said Zorelli, and he went to
resume his part in the opera. He sang
till the close without manifest1ng the
slightest alteration in his voice, and with
out betraying the least emotion. Ma
dame P. having evinced some curiosity
as to the cause of his absence, he quoted
her apprehens;ons by the GOODNESS and
self possessions to his manner
| The Count retired from his box short
| ly after the encounter with Zorelli, and
did not appear there the rest of the even
ing.
In interrogating his conscience Zorelli
satisfied himself that he had acted as be-
came him toward his adversary. He had
| owed such adebt of gratitude to the noble
cantatrice that he would have proved
himself recreant and an migrate if he
had suffered her to be outraged with i'm
punity. Born of noble family of
Zoro1I; oJ fro,,, HI, youth ,,,o,;