I could visit her that evening and declare myself to her--could accuse her of her infidelity and stab her to the heart! Any Italian jury would find "extenuating circumstances" for me.

But why?
Why should I lay myself open to a charge of murder, even for a just cause?
No! my original design was perfect, and I must keep to it and work it out with patience, though patience was difficult.

While I thus meditated, walking from the station homeward, I was startled by the unexpected appearance of my valet, who came upon me quite suddenly.

He was out of breath with running, and he carried a note for me marked "Immediate." It was from my wife, and ran briefly thus: "Please come at once.

Stella is very ill, and asks for you." "Who brought this ?" I demanded, quickening my pace, and signing to Vincenzo to keep beside me.
"The old man, eccellenza--Giacomo.