On asking if the signorina were at home, the footman nodded, and added that Professor De Pretis was with her, but she would doubtless see Professor Cardegna as well.

And so it turned out.

He was ushered into the great drawing-room, where the piano was.
Hedwig came forward a few steps from where she had been standing beside De Pretis, and Nino bowed low before her.

She had on a long dark dress, and no ornament whatever, save her beautiful bright hair, so that her face was like a jewel set in gold and velvet.

But, when I think of it, such a combination would seem absurdly vulgar by the side of Hedwig von Lira.