Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-19

tive from the Austrian troops. arrit IS IN
search of shelter and concealment. Here
he encounters a band of gypsies. headed
by one Devilshoof, who. learning from
Thaddeus that he is pursued by soldiers,
gives him a disguise. conceals him and
puts the pursuing troops on the wrong
track. Just at this time shouts of dis
tress are heard and Florestein appears.
surrounded by huntsmen. The counts
child and her attendant have been at
tackled by an Infatuated stag in the forest.
and are probably destroyed. Hearing
this. Thaddeus seizes a rifle and hastens
to their relief. and by a well-aimed shot
Kills the animal and saves them from de-
struction. The count now returns in time
to hear of the peril of his darling child
and to see Thaddeus bearing her wounded
form In his arms. Overjoyed to find her
still alive. the count overwhelms Thad-
deus with grateful thanks and invites him
to join IN the festivities about to take
place. Thaddeus at first declines. but
being warmly entreated to remain. at
length consents to do so. They seat
themselves at a table and the count pro-
poses toast Health and long life to
the emperor" All except Thaddeus do
observed. the count challenges him to
empty his goblet as the rest have done
Ihaddeus, to the surprise of all. dashes
the wine to the earth; which. OF course
produces burst of mitigation. The as
semSied guests are Infatuated by such an
indignity to their monarch and threaten
the life OF Thaddeus. At this moment
Devilshoof returns and at once takes
sides with Thaddeus. The count orders
Devilshoof to be secured The attendants
Sc: seize and carry him into the castle:
Thaddeus departs and the festivities are
resumed. During the fete Devilshoof
escapes. taking with him the counts in
rant daughter, Airline: and his flight be-
ing almost Immediately discovered, the
greatest excitement prevails. Peasants.
huntsmen and attendants hasten in search
Of the daring fugitive. and he is seen
bearing the child across a dangerous
prec1pice; he escapes, and the unhappy
father sinks in despair as the first act
ends.
Twelve years are supposed to elapse and
we are transported to the city of Pres
burg. in the suburbs Of which the gypsies
are encamped with the queen of their
tribe. In whose tent dwells the count S
daughter, Airline. now a fine young
the court, is met by Devilshoof and his
companions. who relieve him Of his jew
elry, among which is a medallion which
Devilshoof carries off. Thaddeus. who
has joined the tribe, is now enamored OF
Airline. and he tells her that it was he
who saved her life in Infancy. but he still
carefully conceais from her the secret of
her birth. Airline confesses her love for
Th2ddeus, and they are betrothed accord
ing to the custom of the gypsy tribe.
A grand fair is In progress in the plaza
of the city, and hither. Of course, come
all the gypsies. who add to the gayety
and life of the scene by their peculiar
songs. etc. Florestein appears, and Is
quite fascinated by the beauty Of Airline.
While trying to engage her attention he
neck and claims it. charging her with
having stolen it. This leads to great ex-
element; the guard Is called, airline Is
arrested and the crowd dispersed by SOL
diery. The supposed culprit Is brought
before Count Arnheim. Florestein presses
the charge and circumstances strengthen
the appearance of guilt against Airline.
when the count perceives, the mark left
by the wound inflicted by the deer on Ar
lines arm. He asks its origin. She re-
peats the story as related to her by Thad-
deus. The count recognizes his long-lost
child. and the act ends with an effective
tableau.
In the third act we find Airline restored
to her rank and the home of her father;
but the change in her prospects does not
diminish her love for Thaddeus. He
daring all dangers for an interview, seeks
and finds her here. He comes to bid her
farewell, and prays that she will. even
when surrounded by other admirers, give
thought to him who saved her life and
who loves her. Here we find that the
gypsy queen. who also loves Thaddeus,
has been plotting to take him from Ar
line. By her device the medallion was
discovered in the possession of Airline
Even now she is conspiring to separate
the lovers. but her plots fail. Thaddeus
relates his history to Count Arnheim
who. in gratitude to the savior of his
child. bestows her upon him. Desire for
vengeance now fills the heart Of the gypsy
queen. She induces one Of her tribe to
fire at Thaddeus as he Is embracing Ar
line. but by a timely movement of Devils
hoof the bullet reaches her own heart.