At that moment the voice of the singer, who performed Arbace, in the most pathetic tone, breathed out, "Sono Innocente," to which Artaserse replies:
Ma l'apparenza O Arbace
T'accusa ti condanna!
A stifled sigh, almost amounting to a groan, from St. Aubyn, met the ear of Ellen. Recovering himself a little, he whispered—"Remember, Ellen, and I too am innocent!"
In spite of the precaution with which he spoke, Lady Meredith turned, and asked him if he were unwell.
"I have a violent head-ache," he replied, forcing himself to appear more composed.
"You look pale, indeed, my Lord," returned Lady Meredith: "and Lady St. Aubyn seems quite overcome with this pathetic scene."
She spoke of the opera, but a crimson flush spread over St. Aubyn's face, and complaining of the intolerable heat, he rose, and went out of the box.
"Bless me!" said Lady Juliana: "what is the matter?"
"Only Lord St. Aubyn complains of the head-ache," said Lady Meredith.
"Oh, I know what it is," answered Lady Juliana: "my nephew hates to be disturbed when he is attending to music; and I suppose you, Lady Meredith, have been talking to him, as you always do at the Opera."