I intended to remain there half an hour, and then drive to the palace, where my friends would meet me to accompany me to the festival.

I went to the theatre at six, and anxiously waited half an hour for the commencement of the overture; it was after half-past six, and no signs of the commencement.

I looked again at the bill, and saw, to my annoyance, that the opera did not begin till seven.

But as I would not leave until I had seen the stage, I spent the time in looking at the theatre itself.
It is tolerably large, and has five tiers of boxes, but is neither tastefully nor richly decorated.

I was most surprised at the exorbitant price and the variety of seats.