In this,--the last great scene,--Pequita, dancing the
'Dagger Dance,' is supposed to infect the people with that fervour
which moves them to sing "The Freedom Chorus," and the curtain comes
down upon a brilliant stage, crowded with enthusiasts and patriots,
ready to fight and die for the glory of their country. A love-interest
is given to the piece by the passion of the wandering fiddler-hero for
a girl whose wealth places her above his reach; and who in the end
sacrifices all worldly advantage that she may share his uncertain
fortunes for love's sake only.
Such was the story,--which, wedded to wild and passionate music, had
taken the public by storm on its first representation, not only on
account of its own merit, but because it gave their new favourite,
Pequita, many opportunities for showing off her exquisite grace as a
dancer. She, while preparing for the stage on this special night, had
been told that her wish was about to be granted--that she would now, at
last, really dance before the King;--and her heart beat high, and the
rich colour reddened in her soft childish face, as she donned her
scarlet skirts with more than her usual care, and knotted back her
raven curls with a great glowing damask rose, such as Spanish beauties
fasten behind tiny shell-like ears to emphasise the perfection of their
contour.
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