the broken fence that an Englishman has profaned the sacred spot.
This is the business of Act I. In Act II the father, disguised as a
beggar who holds a dagger ever in readiness, and his daughter,
disguised as a street singer, visit a town market in search of the
profaner. The business is not to Lakme's taste, but it is not for
the like of her to neglect the opportunity offered to win applause
with the legend of the pariah's daughter, with its tintinnabulatory
charm:--

Ou va la jeune Hindoue
Fille des parias;
Quand la lune se joue
Dans les grand mimosas?


It is the "Bell song," which has tinkled so often in our concert-
rooms. Gerald recognizes the singer despite her disguise; and
Nilakantha recognizes him as the despoiler of the hallowed spot in
which he worships and incidentally conceals his daughter. The
bloodthirsty fanatic observes sententiously that Brahma has smiled
and cuts short Gerald's soliloquizing with a dagger thrust. Lakme,
with the help of a male slave, removes him to a hut concealed in
the forest. While he is convalescing the pair sing duets and
exchange vows of undying affection. But the military Briton, who
has invaded the country at large, must needs now invade also this
cosey abode of love. Frederick, a brother officer, discovers Gerald
and informs him that duty calls (Britain always expects every man
to do his duty, no matter what the consequences to him) and he must
march with his regiment. Frederick has happened in just as Lakme is
gone for some sacred water in which she and Gerald were to pledge