as a human iceberg--perfectly respectable, with that air
of decent gloom about him which is generally worn by all the sons of
Britain while sojourning in a foreign clime. I copied his manners as
closely as possible; I kept my mouth shut with the same precise air of
not-to-be-enlightened obstinacy--I walked with the same upright drill
demeanor--and I surveyed the scenery with the same superior contempt. I
knew I had succeeded at last, for I overheard a waiter speaking of me
to his companion as "the white bear!"

One other thing I did. I wrote a courteous note to the editor of the
principal newspaper published in Naples--a newspaper that I knew always
found its way to the Villa Romani--and inclosing fifty francs, I
requested him to insert a paragraph for me in his next issue, This
paragraph was worded somewhat as follows:

"The Signor Conte Cesare Oliva, a nobleman who has been for many years
absent from his native country, has, we understand, just returned,
possessed of almost fabulous wealth, and is about to arrive in Naples,
where he purposes making his home for the future. The leaders of
society here will no doubt welcome with enthusiasm so distinguished an
addition to the brilliant circles commanded by their influence."

The editor obeyed my wishes, and inserted what I sent him, word for
word as it was written. He sent me the paper containing it "with a
million compliments," but was discreetly silent concerning the fifty
francs, though I am certain he pocketed them with unaffected joy. Had I
sent him double the money, he might have been induced to announce me as
a king or emperor in disguise. Editors of newspapers lay claim to be
honorable men; they may be so in England, but in Italy most of them
would do anything for money. Poor devils! who can blame them,
considering how little they get by their limited dealings in pen and
ink! In fact, I am not at all certain but that a few English newspaper
editors might be found capable of accepting a bribe, if large enough,
and if offered with due delicacy. There are surely one or two
magazines, for instance, in London, that would not altogether refuse to
insert an indifferently, even badly written article, if paid a thousand
pounds down for doing it!

On the last day but one of my sojourn in Palermo I was reclining in an
easy-chair at the window of the hotel smoking-room, looking out on the
shimmering waters of the gulf. It was nearly eight o'clock, and though
the gorgeous