It is a quiet spot, as you say, and it shall never be said that an Italian artist refused to fight a German soldier." "I have two pistols in my holsters," said Lira, with a smile.

"The roads are not safe, and I always carry them." "Then, sir, be good enough to select one and to give me the other, and we will at once proceed to business." The count's manner changed.

He looked grave.
"I have the pistols, Signor Cardegna, but I do not desire to use them.
Your readiness satisfies me that you are in earnest, and we will therefore not fight for amusement.

I need not defend myself from any charge of unwillingness, I believe," he added, proudly.
"In that case, sir," said Nino, "and since we have convinced each other that we are serious and desire to be courteous, let us converse calmly." "Have you anything more to say ?" asked the count, once more allowing his horse to pace along the dusty road, while Nino's mule walked by his side.
"I have this to say, Signor Conte," answered Nino: "that I shall not desist from desiring the honour of marrying your daughter, if you refuse me a hundred times.

I wish to put it to you whether with youth, some talent,--I speak modestly,--and the prospect of a plentiful income, I am not as well qualified to aspire to the alliance as Baron Benoni, who has old age, much talent, an enormous fortune, and the benefit of the Jewish faith into the bargain." The count winced palpably at the mention of Benoni's religion.