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Show 376 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. nearly. The mother and her daughter then admire the painting, and compliment the artist. Fritz enters, apparently in ill humour ; and, casting a jealous look upon his wife, he informs his daughter that he intends Tunder shall be her husband. Anna, instantly embracing her father, implores him not to be the cause of her wretchedness by marrying her to him she hates, and while her heart is wholly devoted to Carlo. Fritz becomes angry, and refuses her request ; while his wife obstinately contradicts all her husband advances; Teniers endeavours to appease this strife, and to console the unfortunate Anna, whose whole reliance is upon the opposition of her mother. Tunder now enters, carrying a picture under his arm; he salutes the company, and throws a tender look at Anna. Observing Teniers, he gives him the compliments of the day with a contemptuous grin. H e is civilly received by Fritz alone, who desires to see his performance; Brush obeys, and courts the admiration of all while exhibiting his daub; but it is ridiculed, except by himself and Fritz, w h o treat the work of Teniers with contempt. Tunder, however, wishing for a more decisive proof of excellence, draws an immense magnifier from his pocket, and after having examined each performance, finally gives the preference to his own. The admiring landlord being of the same opinion, immediately presents his daughter to him as his future wife ; at the same time Anna and her mother discover by their looks a resolution to defeat this project. Upon this the merry Carlo enters, and interrupts the discourse ; he salutes all present, giving his rival a rude push as he passes ; the latter, however, does not notice it. Carlo announces further orders concerning the approaching nuptials, and Fritz, with his wife, re-enter the house to make prepara- |