“I was about to reply, when my teacher, having finished his confabulations with his acquaintances, approached me.
“‘Well, my friend,’ cried he, ‘what do you think of my little pupil, I see you have been conversing with her?’
“‘I am afraid Mademoiselle would think I flattered her, if I spoke my real sentiments,’ answered the gallant Frenchman, with his hand upon his heart.
“Monsieur laughed; for compliments seemed to him, as they always seemed to me, mere nonsense; things which are said without being felt, and therefore valueless. The actors had now all left the stage; after inviting his old friend to call upon him, Monsieur and myself returned home.
“I pass over the space of four months, during which time, I was occupied in learning the part of Norma; my preceptor gave me lessons every day in acting, in a large unoccupied room, Madame Bonni appropriated to my use for that purpose; determined to succeed, I studied with ardor and assiduity, until at length, I perfected myself in my part, to his and my own complete satisfaction.
“It was the night of my appearance: large placards announcing that fact, with my name printed upon them in immense capitals, had been posted in front of the theatre for several days previous; Monsieur said they anticipated a crowded house. I had been in a state of feverish excitement all day, which increased rather than diminished as evening drew near; the costume of Norma I had prepared sometime before, and sent it to my dressing-room at the theatre to await my coming. Madame Bonni, desirous of hearing me sing, had engaged seats in one of the stage boxes for herself and a gentleman friend.
“‘You do not feel apprehensive of a failure, do you, Genevra?’ asked my teacher, as he, Madame, and myself, sat conversing together in the parlor, in the afternoon.
“‘Not in the least, sir; I feel perfectly confident of success.’
“‘I am glad to hear you say so; I hope you will make a sensation; if you feel self-possessed, you will act so, and consequently succeed. I expect Blanche here in a few weeks to fulfil an engagement, and then you can sing together.’