mind of my victim. "No doubt it was
distressing to witness--but you could not have been very sorry--he was
an old man, and, though it is a platitude not worth repeating--we must
all die."

"Sorry!" exclaimed Ferrari, talking almost more to himself than to me.
"I was glad! He was an old scoundrel, deeply dyed in every sort of
social villainy. No--I was not sorry, only as I watched him in his
frantic struggle, fighting furiously for each fresh gasp of breath--I
thought--I know not why--of Fabio."

Profoundly astonished, but concealing my astonishment under an air of
indifference, I began to laugh.

"Upon my word, Ferrari--pardon me for saying so, but the air of Rome
seems to have somewhat obscured your mind! I confess I cannot follow
your meaning."

He sighed uneasily. "I dare say not! I scarce can follow it myself. But
if it was so hard for an old man to writhe himself out of life, what
must it have been for Fabio! We were students together; we used to walk
with our arms round each other's necks like school-girls, and he was
young and full of vitality--physically stronger, too, than I am. He
must have battled for life with every nerve and sinew stretched to
almost breaking." He stopped and shuddered. "By Heaven! death should be
made easier for us! It is a frightful thing!"

A contemptuous pity arose in me. Was he coward as well as traitor? I
touched him lightly on the arm.

"Excuse me, my young friend, if I say frankly that your dismal
conversation is slightly fatiguing. I cannot accept it as a suitable
preparation for dinner! And permit me to remind you that you have still
to dress."

The gentle satire of my tone made him look up and smile. His face
cleared, and he passed his hand over his forehead, as though he swept
it free of some unpleasant thought.

"I believe I am nervous," he said with a half laugh. "For the last few
hours I have had all sorts of uncomfortable presentiments and
forebodings."

"No wonder!" I returned carelessly, "with such a spectacle as you have
described before the eyes of your memory. The Eternal City savors
somewhat disagreeably of graves. Shake the dust of the Caesars from
your feet, and enjoy your life, while it lasts!"

"Excellent advice!" he said, smiling, "and not difficult to follow. Now
to attire for the festival. Have I your permission?"

I touched the bell which summoned Vincenzo, and bade him wait on Signer
Ferrari's orders. Guido disappeared under his escort, giving m