Something was happening in the corner of Eliza's eye: William and Mary entering their box. Everyone rose and applauded. It was dry, sparse applause, and it didn't last. The comte d'Avaux stepped forward and kissed the Duke of Monmouth on both cheeks. Many of the opera-goers did not see the gesture, but some did. Enough, anyway, to strike a new chord in the audience: a baritone commotion that was soon covered up by the opening strains of the overture.