A DEVOUT HERO-WORSHIPPER.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VII, Issue 9, 28 February 1891, Page 7

A DEVOUT HERO-WORSHIPPER.

It was in St. Petersburg, at a soiree given by Balfe, that Mario met Miss G for the first time, and a stranger infatuation than that which took possession of that lady for the object of her admiration never animated one human being for another. They never spoke, never exchanged a word after the first formal greeting, but for years after meeting him on the occasion in question Miss followed Mario as faithfully as his shadow. IShe attended every opera and concert at which be appeared in Europe and America. In his engagement at the Italiens in Paris, be made it a condition that she should not have admission to the theatre the nights he sang. She took a box in an assumed name, and from the moment she gained access to it, on the first night of the season, commenced picking the leaves of an enormous bouquet of roses, so that they fell in profusion upon the stage. I'pon Iris appearance as Arturo in * I Puritani,’ Mario's attention was. of course, attracted to the heap of rose-leaves, and looking up to the box from which tire continuous stream of flowers continued to fall, there he beheld the lady he had endeavoured to prevent entering the theatre. Wien Grisi and Mario went to America, it was stipulated with Hackett, the impressario, that it should not Ire considered a breach of cont ract were they to refuse to embark io the same steamer with Miss G . The j«.ssenger list of tire Russia Gunaider was brought to the Adelphi Hotel, Liverjool, for their inspection the evening before they were to go on board. It did not contain the objectionable name, and the Diva gave a sigh of relief, for at last, she supposed the strange pursuit was given up. Stormy weather prevailed after the Russia left Queenstown, and all but the most adventurous of the passengers remained below. Mario, ever the first and foremost to enjoy a storm, jaced the deck, and took delight, as usual, in braving the elements. While walking to and fro he stumbled over some tar pau line, and, vainly trying to regain his balance, fell heavily upon it- A scream was beard, and, the tarpaulin being raised, the form of Miss G ,in a green silk dress, was discovered lying on the deck l«eneath it.