“‘You know her, then?’
“‘Oh yes, we were educated at the same school.’
“‘I cannot answer you in regard to her happiness; but she looks beautiful, and sings like a bird.’
“‘Did you ever see my other friend, who was also a pupil of Monsieur’s, Inez Fontana?’
“‘A year ago, I saw her at Dresden; she left the following day to fulfil an engagement at Berlin; she is a charming woman, handsome, dark; has a deep, sweet, sonorous voice, but not the power or execution of yourself or Blanche. There was a rumor afloat in town of her being about to marry and leave the stage; it may be only report, however; I cannot vouch for its truth.’
“‘It would seem very strange to me, to see my old school mate married.’
“‘Why, is it not natural to suppose, that a handsome young woman, with a good reputation, should marry, and make some worthy man happy?’
“‘It is natural that women in private life should do so, but actresses seldom do.’
“‘But when they have the opportunity, should they not embrace it?’