"I will accommpany you a little way, if you will allow me." Nino stared hard at the stranger, wondering what could induce him to take so much interest in a singer.

Then he nodded gravely and turned toward his home, inwardly hoping that his aggressive acquaintance lived in the opposite direction.

But he was mistaken.

The tall man blew a quantity of smoke through his nose and walked by his side.

He strode over the pavement with a long, elastic step.
"I live not far from here," he said, when they had gone a few steps, "and if the Signor Cardegna will accept of a glass of old wine and a good cigar I shall feel highly honoured." Somehow an invitation of this kind was the last thing Nino had expected or desired, least of all from a talkative stranger who seemed determined to make his acquaintance.
"I thank you, signore," he answered, "but I have supped, and I do not smoke." "Ah--I forgot.