Beadle's Dime Novels, No. 11 — page 51: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

~ AT TWE OPERA. 49 “J don’t know; al] I can say is, that I would not, if l were him,” said the Mancha, shortly. “ Nor I him, if I were her,” muttered Althea. “ What is that? No insolence, miss,” cried the old vigaro . her black eyes flashing. “¥ou should not speak so sharply,” said the girl, giving a short, impatient movement. “T don’t know but I have ruined this sleeve, you startled me so.” “ Well, well; I will be more careful,” replied the old woman, anxiously, surveying the threatened trouble. “ Re- member that is something I cannot match; I would not have it spoiled for the world. © But as for Senora Minerva, she is a very graceless girl. Only think of it, to run away—to bring scandal upon a family like ours. I shall not be unhappy if we never see her again, though the general will leave no means untried to find her.” While the senora and the dressing-maid were talking thus, Minerva was unwillingly arraying herself for the opera. Dora had urged her into compliance with her request that she would accompany her there. But, though yielding, and taking no little pains to disguise herself, she was very unwill- ing to go. She had been already three times, and on each Occasion her pleasure had been damped by the presence of Senor Velasquez, whose bearing had gradually assumed the complexion of an ardent admiration. His attentions were not only annoying to Minerva, but Senor Abrates looked upon him with a lowering brow, and began in attitude at least to ques- tion his motives. On this particular night, Senor Velasquez wus seen as usual, moving toward the box where Dora and Minerva were seated. Manuel cast an inquiring glance toward his protege. Her face was clouded by anxiety. “I wish he would not come,” broke impulsively from her lips; “he annoys me.” “You shall not be troubled by his attentions; I will speak to him—there is no other way.” A moment after Senor Abrates . came back, pale and much excited, while Senor Velasquez was nowhere to be seen. During the evening the young man devoted himself more closely to Minerva than ever before. He seemed to watch her every motion, and anticipate her slightest wish. This - comicloooks.comn ~