“Alas, it may be easy for you to counsel who do not endure, but this is not the beginning of my love,” murmured the Italian, in despairing accents, as he left her.

The tone and mournful eyes made Teresa unhappy; she regretted deeply the necessity of giving pain in this world, though she felt she might unavoidably be the cause of more disappointments than even the beautiful are generally, and with a sigh realized that in accordance with her principles, she must draw yet more tightly the lines of isolation about her.  Life already had but few pleasures, and even this scanty list must be curtailed.  Geraldi, convinced that his poverty and comparative obscurity were the objections to him, determined they should not long remain a barrier, and immediately on the expiration of his engagement with Cartillos, departed for his native land, determined not to see Teresa Zampieri again till he had won a name worthy her acceptance.  He mentioned his plans to no one, however, but bidding farewell to his friends departed on his errand.  Time flew by, and Teresa was released from her engagement.  Cartillos begged earnestly that she would continue with him, but the young girl told him just her sentiments regarding his conduct, and much as he regretted his past error, it did not help the matter in the least.  Engagements from far and near poured in upon her, and the only difficulty was, which to choose.

“Somewhat of contrast!” thought Teresa.  “One short year ago, I scarce knew where to lay my head.  Heigho!  Methinks my present station elevated as it may appear-but what! is this foolish heart forever crying more?” and the tears so seldom permitted to visit those sad, dreamy eyes, now came unchecked.  Her sorrow once indulged, returned more and more often; so to divert her mind, Teresa Zampieri visited distant countries, always avoiding Italy, however, and journeyed and sang without cessation.  This constant exertion was too much for her to bear, and she was obliged to omit singing entirely for several months, during which time she travelled through many delightful places, and frequently recalled those days in after years, as some of the happiest she had known.  At the expiration of her wanderings she returned to Havana refreshed, and comparatively happy, to commence a new engagement.  This was the third year of her theatrical life, and Teresa was now nearly twenty years of age, and though so young, she possessed the manners of an accomplished, experienced woman.  It was a matter of wonder to all, that amid such a throng of suitors as she was known to possess, she yet remained Teresa Zampieri; but few dared request the guardianship of the peerless girl, for it seemed as though between her and themselves a vast gulf lay.  And notwithstanding superior rank and position, many a noble felt himself awed by the unaffected dignity of the actress.