A couple of decorations hung at his button-hole.

"I seldom come here, and on my return, the other day, I found that the man I had left in charge was dead, with, all his family, and the place has gone to ruin.

That is always my luck," he added, with a little laugh.
"I should think he must have been dead some time," said Nino, looking about him.

"There is a great deal of dust here." "Yes, as you say, it is some years," returned his acquaintance, still laughing.

He seemed a merry old soul, fifty years younger than his looks.