"We respect you," continued Salomon, "because you have shown in a knightly manner how a man should defend his lady's honour, and even, although we have no lady-loves, at least no perennial plants, who bear the title of wife or betrothed, we know well how to appreciate such conduct." A murmur of approval from the students denoted their concurrence in those words. "Therefore it is that we address you with the entreaty that you persuade your betrothed to appear again upon the stage. We are all now ready to protect her, after having learned with whom that disgraceful outrage originated." "What outrage?" asked Blanden astonished. Salomon was surprised at the question. "But surely you know, Herr von Blanden?--" "Indeed, I know of nothing!" The deputation became uncomfortable, the students looked at one another in amazement. Salomon, however, was soon calmed, and at the same time delighted at his own shrewdness, as he imagined he was able to see through the matter; he snapped his fingers and said-- "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." "But you have much influence over her! We will offer her consolation and compensation. May she console herself with Schiller--