es and adores, spoken of with qualification and
familiarity by a stranger, is often an acute pain to a lover, so acute,
that even the familiarity of a brother with a sister often causes
distress to certain minds. Some jealous souls think this a robbery of
friendship, and a profanation of their idol.

Maulear, wounded that the cherished name of Aminta should be so
cavalierly treated by Gaetano, replied with ill-disguised temper,

"I understand, Signor, that there is nothing false, even musically
speaking, in the sentiments expressed by you to Signora Rovero. Perhaps
this is an exception to your usual habits, as your professor says. But
were he to find fault with the correctness of your tones, he could not
censure the sincerity of the passion breathed through them."

"Is not that true?" said Gaetano, really flattered at Maulear's
compliment. "It is exalted, distinct, and intense. It is of a good
school, and of the lofty style of Tacchinardi."

"Ah! Signor," replied Maulear impatiently, "you know as well as I do,
that no artist, however skilful and great, can express love as lovers
do."

"The fact is," continued Gaetano, "that Zingarelli must have loved some
Julietta, when he wrote his Romeo."

"And you," answered Maulear, "must adore Signorina Aminta, to play so
well the part of Romeo!"

"Certainly," said Gaetano, smiling; "and I know very few tenors in San
Carlo who sing that _duo_ as I do. All must confess that there is no
Julietta like her."

Maulear was amazed, and could make no reply. The young man either was
sincere, and had not understood him, or he had affected not to do so,
assuming the remarks of his companion to refer to the singer, and not to
the lover. He positively refused to become Maulear's confidant, and by
his adroitness and tact made himself understood. The result of all this
was, that Maulear remained in a cruel state of doubt in relation to the
sentiments Gaetano entertained for Aminta, and, what was yet more
painful, in relation to those of Aminta for Gaetano.

"Excuse me, Marquis," said the young man to Maulear, "our conversation
is so unexpected, that I, in my surprise, forgot a commission with which
I was charged by Signora Rovero. I sought you to inform you of it, when
our conversation was diverted to something else. Signora Rovero,
fancying that you were superintending the preparations for your
departure, wishes you to postpone them until to-morrow, as the night is
dark and the road d