After All.

any moment occurred in the acting or the music , and the whole affair promised to be an immense success . The climax of the piece was fast approaching , which consisted in the reconciliation of the principal characters after the most untoward circumstances . "At lastwe meet again ! " sang Humberton in character .

, "And do you really love me ? " returned Violet , also in character . " Emile , I have always loved you ! " sang Humberton , with intense pathos , and in exquisite music , almost feeling what he said , in his excitement . ( They rush together and embrace passionately ) . At this moment Olivia , no longer able to restrain herself , dashed from her hiding-place on to the stage , and wildly grasping Arthur ' s arm , cried

piteously , " No , no ! not her ! not her ! you love me only ?" Arthur hardly knew what to do or say , but he took her to him almost involuntarily , and kissed her . All was confusion . Violet shrank back , while Redtaper fell suing at her feet ( less fortunate fellow ) , only to be spurned with her foot and a contemptuous curl of the lip , already bleeding from the vicious

bite she had given it when Olivia had sprung on the scene , so chagrined was she at being outdone by such a " delicate creature . " Nor was this the end of the impromptu acting . Next on the scene came Mervyn Merrisslope , boiling over with rage at Olivia ' s outrageous conduct , and vowing vengeance against Humberton for his part in the affair . Seemingly oblivious of the real situation , and now alone thinking of his

long-lost love Olivia , Humberton whispered in earnest this time : " Do you really love me ? " and received for answer from Olivia ( though trembling and confused , and hardly knowing what had happened or how she was there ) : " With all my heart !" Merrisslope , white with passion , now interrupted the state of affairs by almost screaming :

" Cease this buffoonery , and release your hold on this lady immediatel y !" but a trap-door on the stage being loose , he ignominiousl y fell through it ; while Miss Cumberland seized a dagger l ying near and attempted to stab herself , but was prevented by Redtaper , who was severely wounded for his pains . At the same moment the curtain dropped , amid the thundering plaudits of the audience , who took the whole scene as part of the opera . Not until then had Arthur or Olivia awakened to the fact that they were

before the public ; but that was little to be wondered at . All was now in the utmost confusion . Merrisslope was found to have broken his leg and sustained several bruises , Herbert Redtaper had an ugly wound on his shoulder , and Miss Cumberland had fainted !

Meanwhile the audience insisted on the appearance of the principal characters before the curtain ; and Arthur Humberton had presence of mind enough to advance thither with Olivia ( shrinking and frightened ) on his arm . There was no leisure for debate , and he considered this the easiest method of gratifying the audience and bringing affairs to a normal state . It had the desired effect ; and , after heartily welcoming the couple , the audience was

satisfied , without making further demands or rendering some explanation necessary . Affairs had taken a most unexpected turn for all concerned . As to Arthur Humberton , he was again a " god " in the estimation of the public , and , what was infinitely better , happy in the love of Olivia ! ( To be continued . )