Footsteps were heard coming slowly down the street, followed by a gentle ring at the bell. Juliana leaned over the balcony and asked in tones expressive of annoyance,—
“Who is there?”
“Is your mistress at home?” asked the deep voice of Sebastião.
“She went out in a carriage with Donna Felicidade a little while ago,” replied Juliana.
“Ah! Good-night, then.”
Meantime Donna Felicidade and Luiza had arrived at the Passeio.
It was the evening of a benefit; a slow and monotonous murmur could be heard inside, and the air was filled with clouds of dust. They entered, and a little beyond the fountain they suddenly came face to face with Bazilio.
“What a happy chance!” he exclaimed in accents of surprise.
Luiza colored as she presented him to Donna Felicidade.
The excellent lady saluted him with a bow of marked politeness and smiles without number. She remembered him very well, she said; but if Luiza had not mentioned his name she would not have recognized him; she found him very much altered.