I stroked my mustache and smiled at him benevolently.
"Ah, young blood! young blood!" I sighed, shaking my head, "it will have its way! My good sir, why be ashamed of your feelings?
I heartily sympathize with you; if the lady does not appreciate the affection of so ardent and gallant an admirer, then she is foolish indeed! It is not every woman who has such a chance of happiness." "You think--you imagine that--that--I--" "That you are in love with her ?" I said, composedly.

"Ma--certamente! And why not?
It is as it should be.

Even the late conte could wish no fairer fate for his beautiful widow than that she should become the wife of his chosen friend.

Permit me to drink your health! Success to your love!" And I drained my glass as I finished speaking, Unfortunate fool! He was completely disarmed; his suspicions of me melted away like mist before the morning light.

His face cleared--he seized my hand and pressed it warmly.
"Forgive me, conte," he said, with remorseful fervor; "I fear I have been rude and unsociable.