Baron Benoni, the wealthy banker of St.Petersburg, who was many years ago an inmate of a private lunatic asylum in Paris, is reported to be dangerously insane in Rome." That was all.

The paper was the _Paris Figaro_.
"Merciful Heavens!" exclaimed Hedwig, "and I was shut up with that madman in Fillettino!" Nino was already by her side, and in his strong arms she forgot Benoni, and Fillettino, and all her troubles.

We were all silent for some time.

At last Nino spoke.
"Is it true that the count was here this morning ?" he asked, in a subdued voice, for the extraordinary visit and its sequel had made him grave.
"Quite true," I said.

"He was here a long time.