once advanced, extending both her hands with the coaxing
grace of manner I had so often admired.

"I am the Countess Romani," she said, still smiling. "I heard from
Signor Ferrari that you purposed visiting his studio this afternoon,
and I could not resist the temptation of coming to express my personal
acknowledgments for the almost regal gift you sent me. The jewels are
really magnificent. Permit me to offer you my sincere thanks!"

I caught her outstretched hands and wrung them hard--so hard that the
rings she wore must have dug into her flesh and hurt her, though she
was too well-bred to utter any exclamation. I had fully recovered
myself, and was prepared to act out my part.

"On the contrary, madame," I said in a strong harsh voice, "the thanks
must come entirely from me for the honor you have conferred upon me by
accepting trifles so insignificant--especially at a time when the cold
brilliancy of mere diamonds must jar upon the sensitive feelings of
your recent widowhood. Believe me, I sympathize deeply with your
bereavement. Had your husband lived, the jewels would have been his
gift to you, and how much more acceptable they would then have appeared
in your eyes! I am proud to think you have condescended so far as to
receive them from so unworthy a hand as mine."

As I spoke her face paled--she seemed startled, and regarded me
earnestly. Sheltered behind my smoked spectacles, I met the gaze of her
large dark eyes without embarrassment. Slowly she withdrew her slight
fingers from my clasp. I placed an easy chair for her, she sunk softly
into it with her old air of indolent ease, the ease of a spoiled
empress or sultan's favorite, while she still continued to look up at
me thoughtfully Ferrari, meanwhile, busied himself in bringing out more
wine, he also produced a dish of fruit and some sweet cakes, and while
occupied in these duties as our host he began to laugh.

"Ha, ha! you are caught!" he exclaimed to me gayly. "You must know we
planned this together, madame and I, just to take you by surprise.
There was no knowing when you would be persuaded to visit the contessa,
and she could not rest till she had thanked you, so we arranged this
meeting. Could anything be better? Come, conte, confess that you are
charmed!"

"Of course I am!" I answered with a slight touch of satire in my tone.
"Who would not be charmed in the presence of such youth and beauty! And
I am also flattered--for I know what exceptional fa