He did not raise his eyes until he was close to Nino, who took off his hat and pulled up short.
The old count was evidently very much surprised, for he suddenly straightened himself in his saddle, with a sort of jerk, and glared savagely at Nino; his wooden features appearing to lose colour, and his long moustache standing out and bristling.

He also reined in his horse, and the pair sat on their beasts, not five yards apart, eying each other like a pair of duelists.

Nino was the first to speak, for he was prepared.
"Good day, Signor Conte," he said, as calmly as he could.

"You have not forgotten me, I am sure." Lira looked more and more amazed as he observed the cool courtesy with which he was accosted.

But his polite manner did not desert him even then, for he raised his hat.
"Good-day," he said, briefly, and made his horse move on.