His arms were folded, and he was surveying the scene with contracted eyelids, through which you saw the glitter of his intensely dark, vivacious pupil.
He immediately embarked on an elaborate apology for not having yet manifested, as he felt it, his sense of the honor Rowland had done him.
"I am always on service with these ladies, you see," he explained, "and that is a duty to which one would not willingly be faithless for an instant." "Evidently," said Rowland, "you are a very devoted friend.

Mrs.Light, in her situation, is very happy in having you." "We are old friends," said the Cavaliere, gravely.

"Old friends.

I knew the signora many years ago, when she was the prettiest woman in Rome--or rather in Ancona, which is even better.

The beautiful Christina, now, is perhaps the most beautiful young girl in Europe!" "Very likely," said Rowland.
"Very well, sir, I taught her to read; I guided her little hands to touch the piano keys." And at these faded memories, the Cavaliere's eyes glittered more brightly.