As the Druidic Priestess Norma, played by Madame Penco, took the stage with her wonderful soprano voice, proclaiming her love for Pollione, a Roman proconsul, Morphy was distressed and embarrassed.  It seemed as if the Duke and his partner were in contention for the spotlight.  Morphy was exasperated to find that the pair exercised no constraint over their volume which was enhanced by the acoustics of the opera house and drawing the attention of the nearby patrons.<br/><br/>As he slouched low into his chair, Morphy began to wonder if he were the entertainment for the evening.  His imagination went to work.  He could see his name on the marquee:  Paul Morphy, the main player in a tragic comedy about a man trying to enjoy an opera while stuck in a burdensome chess match.<br/><br/>In an attempt for a view, Morphy kept twisting around in his seat, trying his best to at least see part of the opera.  First he twisted to the left.  Not finding an acceptable vantage point, he then turned to his right.  He had even worse luck from the right side.  Beginning to feel a bit dizzy from the twisting and turning, Morphy returned to his original distasteful position in front of the checkerboard.<br/><br/>“E5” the Count said as he moved his piece.  Without any consideration or hesitation, Morphy grabbed his King-side knight and placed it on f3.  He had played the e5 defense countless times and made the move seemingly from muscle memory.  Paul offered a faint smile, “Your move gentlemen.” he said as he twisted back to his left in time to see Madame Penco giving him an ‘evil eye’ stare.<br/>