; for a moment he had been quite embarrassed
and overwhelmed by this girl's bright glance and smile. She was
certainly very handsome; and it was embarrassing--yes, it was decidedly
a little embarrassing--to be recognised by her so publicly at the very
moment of her first success.

"Know her?" said a voice at his shoulder--it was the voice of a critic.
"Why, she's first-rate! Isn't she the girl that used to play small parts
at the Frivolity? Who discovered that she had a voice?"

"Old Lalli, I believe--first-violin in the orchestra," said Hubert.

"Ah! Did he teach her, then? How did she get to della Scala? That
woman's charges are enormous--as big as Lamperti's!"

"Couldn't say, I'm sure," returned Hubert, with perfect coolness.

"Well, della Scala made a big hit this time, at any rate. Old Mitcham's
prowling about--from Covent Garden, do you see him? That girl will have
an engagement before the day's out--mark my words! There hasn't been
such a brilliant success for the last ten years."

And then the second part of the concert began, and Hubert was left in
peace.

Cynthia's second song was a greater success even than the first. There
could be no doubt that she would attain a great height in her profession
if she wished to do so; she had a splendid organ, she had been well
taught, and she was remarkably handsome. Her stage-training prevented
nervousness; and that she had dramatic talent was evidenced by her
singing of the two airs put down for her in the programme. But she took
everybody by surprise when she was _encored_. Instead of repeating her
last aria, she said a word in the accompanist's ear, and launched at
once into the song of Schubert's which she had sung in Hubert's rooms.
It was a complete change from the Italian music that constituted the
staple of Madame della Scala's concerts; but it revealed new capacities
of passion in the singer's voice, and was not unwelcome, even to Madame
herself, as showing the girl's talent and versatility. As she passed off
the platform, Madame caught the girl in her arms and kissed her
enthusiastically. The pupil's success was the teacher's success--and
Madame was delighted accordingly.

Hubert was leaving the room at the conclusion of the concert, when an
attendant accosted him.

"Beg pardon, sir! Mr. Lepel, sir?"

"Yes; what is it?"

"Miss West told me to give you this, sir;" and he put a twisted slip of
paper into Hubert's hand.

Hubert turned aside and opened