Nino is a man for great emergencies, as I have had occasion to say, and when he realised who the unwelcome visitor was, he acted as promptly as usual.

With a face like marble he walked straight across the room to Benoni and faced him.
"Baron Benoni," he said, in a low voice, "I warn you that you are most unwelcome here.

If you attempt to say any word to my wife, or to force an entrance, I will make short work of you." Benoni eyed him with a sort of pitying curiosity as he made this speech:-- "Do not fear, Signor Cardegna.

I came to see Signor Grandi, and to ascertain from him precisely what you have voluntered to tell me.

You cannot suppose that I have any object in interrupting the leisure of a great artist, or the privacy of his very felicitous domestic relations.