Come, think it out! Only an unforeseen indisposition prevented me from eating the greater part of the fruit, for it is known that I am very fond of figs, and while my poor Dario was tasting them, I jested and told him to leave the finer ones for me to-morrow.

Yes, the abominable blow was meant for me, and it is on him that it has fallen by the most atrocious of chances, the most monstrous of the follies of fate.

Ah! Lord God, Lord God, have you then forsaken us!" Tears came into the old man's eyes, whilst she still quivered and seemed unconvinced: "But you have no enemies, uncle," she said.

"Why should that Santobono try to take your life ?" For a moment he found no fitting reply.

With supreme grandeur he had already resolved to keep the truth secret.