She never liked me--she might have been a great source of trouble and inconvenience; so, on the whole, I am glad she is out of the way." Further on in the letter he informed me: "My uncle is at death's door, but though that door stands wide open for him, he cannot make up his mind to go in.

His hesitation will not be allowed to last, so the doctors tell me--at any rate I fervently hope I shall not be kept waiting too long, otherwise I shall return to Naples and sacrifice my heritage, for I am restless and unhappy away from Nina, though I know she is safely guarded by your protecting care." I read this particular paragraph to my wife, watching her closely as I slowly enunciated the words contained in it.

She listened, and a vivid blush crimsoned her cheeks--a blush of indignation--and her brows contracted in the vexed frown I knew so well.

Her lips parted in a half-sweet, half-chilly smile as she said, quietly: "I owe you my thanks, conte, for showing me to what extent Signor Ferrari's impertinence may reach.

I am surprised at his writing to you in such a manner! The fact is, my late husband's attachment for him was so extreme that he now presumes upon a supposed right that he has over me--he fancies I am really his sister, and that he can tyrannize, as brothers sometimes do! I really regret I have been so patient with him--I have allowed him too much liberty." True enough! I thought and smiled bitterly.