Your man took my valise; in it are my dress-clothes--I shall not be ten minutes putting them on." "Take a glass of wine first," I said, pouring out some of his favorite Montepulciano.

"There is plenty of time.

It is barely seven, and we do not dine till eight." He took the wine from my hand and smiled.

I returned the smile, adding, "It gives me great pleasure to receive you, Ferrari! I have been impatient for your return--almost as impatient as--" He paused in the act of drinking, and his eyes flashed delightedly.
"As SHE has?
Piccinina! How I long to see her again! I swear to you, amico, I should have gone straight to the Villa Romani had I obeyed my own impulse--but I had promised you to come here, and, on the whole, the evening will do as well"-- and he laughed with a covert meaning in his laughter--"perhaps better!" My hands clinched, but I said with forced gayety: "Ma certamente! The evening will be much better! Is it not Byron who says that women, like stars, look best at night?
You will find her the same as ever, perfectly well and perfectly charming.

It must be her pure and candid soul that makes her face so fair! It may be a relief to your mind to know that I am the only man she has allowed to visit her during your absence!" "Thank God for that!" cried Ferrari, devoutly, as he tossed off his wine.