I chained Wyvis, and stroked him tenderly; he appeared to understand, and he accepted his fate with perfect resignation, lying down upon his bed of straw without a sign of opposition, save for one imploring look out of his intelligent eyes as I turned away and left him.
On making my adieus to Nina, I firmly refused Ferrari's offered companionship in the walk back to my hotel.
"I am fond of a solitary moonlight stroll," I said.

"Permit me to have my own way in the matter." After some friendly argument they yielded to my wishes.

I bade them both a civil "good-night," bending low over my wife's hand and kissing it, coldly enough, God knows, and yet the action was sufficient to make her flush and sparkle with pleasure.

Then I left them, Ferrari himself escorting me to the villa gates, and watching me pass out on the open road.

As long as he stood there, I walked with a slow and meditative pace toward the city, but the instant I heard the gate clang heavily as it closed, I hurried back with a cautious and noiseless step.