She smiled trustfully, and then in obedience to her mother's imperative gesture, slipped quietly out of the room.

As soon as she had gone I praised her beauty warmly, for she was really a lovely little thing--but I could see my admiration of her was not very acceptable to either my wife or her lover.

We all went in to dinner--I, as guest, having the privilege of escorting my fair and spotless spouse! On our reaching the dining-room Nina said-- "You are such an old friend of the family, conte, that perhaps you will not mind sitting at the head of the table ?" "Tropp' onore, signora!" I answered, bowing gallantly, as I at once resumed my rightful place at my own table, Ferrari placing himself on my right hand, Nina on my left.

The butler, my father's servant and mine, stood as of old behind my chair, and I noticed that each time he supplied me with wine he eyed me with a certain timid curiosity--but I knew I had a singular and conspicuous appearance, which easily accounted for his inquisitiveness.

Opposite to where I sat, hung my father's portrait--the character I personated permitted me to look at it fixedly and give full vent to the deep sigh which in very earnest broke from my heart.