"He who at every second word raps out a pagan or Christian oath, and cannot for his life tell any difference between the two!" "And the illustrious gentleman Crispiano Dulci and Antonio Biscardi, artists like yourself," I continued.
He frowned slightly--then smiled.
"I wish them good appetites! Time was when I envied their skill--now I can afford to be generous.

They are welcome to the whole field of art as far as I am concerned.

I have said farewell to the brush and palette--I shall never paint again." True enough! I thought, eying the shapely white hand with which he just then stroked his dark mustache; the same hand on which my family diamond ring glittered like a star.

He looked up suddenly.
"Go on, conte I am all impatience.

Who comes next ?" "More fire-eaters, I suppose you will call them," I answered, "and French fire-eaters, too.