"Then our respected prima donna has concealed this from you out of tender feeling, so as not to cause you any excitement which might be deleterious to your health. But now that the mention of the unpleasant fact has escaped the custody of our lips, you will be able to bear the sad news with manly dignity. Yes, on that evening on which Giulia was to sing Rosina's part, she was hissed, drummed out, and whistled at, until the curtain had to be lowered."
Blanden sprang up wrathfully.
"The worthless creatures; oh, I know--"
"It was a conspiracy," added Salomon.
"Savitri, faithful nurse, this then was your penance," said Blanden dreamily to himself.
"It was desecration of the temple to the muses."
"That is why the criticisms on the 'Barbière di Sevilla' could not be found when I wanted to read them," said Blanden.
"A most unholy alliance between the companions of Spiegeler the reporter, and a clique got together by an officer, carried off a disgraceful victory on that eventful evening. Very few members of the Albertina, alas, were present, but we have now resolved to make Signora Bollini brilliant amends upon her next appearance. The noble clubs of Masuren and Lithuania, the Albertina itself with all its societies; the Hochheimers, Goths, Teutons and Borusses are unanimous, which does not often happen, and even the independent Camels will join the students' union. We shall not permit a small party to be the leaders of taste in the theatre, we will represent the vox populi with overwhelming force, and the pillars of the old shop of the muses shall tremble with the thunder of our acclamations. Long live Signora Bollini!"
"Hurrah!" cried the students, waving their caps.
"I thank you from my heart, gentlemen," said Blanden, "but the decision upon this point rests with the actress."