She at once advanced, extending both her hands with the coaxing grace of manner I had so often admired.
"I am the Countess Romani," she said, still smiling.

"I heard from Signor Ferrari that you purposed visiting his studio this afternoon, and I could not resist the temptation of coming to express my personal acknowledgments for the almost regal gift you sent me.

The jewels are really magnificent.

Permit me to offer you my sincere thanks!" I caught her outstretched hands and wrung them hard--so hard that the rings she wore must have dug into her flesh and hurt her, though she was too well-bred to utter any exclamation.

I had fully recovered myself, and was prepared to act out my part.
"On the contrary, madame," I said in a strong harsh voice, "the thanks must come entirely from me for the honor you have conferred upon me by accepting trifles so insignificant--especially at a time when the cold brilliancy of mere diamonds must jar upon the sensitive feelings of your recent widowhood.