f
so much solicitude on your part. Your pity is misplaced, Vincenzo, it
is indeed! Pity an emperor clad in purples and seated on a throne of
pure gold, but do not pity ME! I tell you that, to-morrow, yes,
to-morrow, I shall obtain all that I have ever sought--my greatest
desire will be fulfilled. Believe it. No man has ever been so
thoroughly satiated with--satisfaction--as I shall be!"

Then seeing him look still sad and incredulous, I clapped my hand on
his shoulder and smiled.

"Come, come, amico, wear a merrier face for my bridal day, or you will
not deserve to wed Lilla. I thank you from my heart," and I spoke more
gravely, "for your well meant care and kindness, but I assure you there
is nothing wrong with me. I am well--perfectly well--and happy. It is
understood that you go to Avellino to-morrow evening?"

Vincenzo sighed, but was passive.

"It must be as the eccellenza pleases," he murmured, resignedly.

"That is well," I answered, good-humoredly; "and as you know my
pleasure, take care that nothing interferes with your departure.
And--one word more--you must cease to watch me. Plainly speaking, I do
not choose to be under your surveillance. Nay--I am not offended, far
from it, fidelity and devotion are excellent virtues, but in the
present case I prefer obedience--strict, implicit obedience. Whatever I
may do, whether I sleep or wake, walk or sit still--attend to YOUR
duties and pay no heed to MY actions. So will you best serve me--you
understand?"

"Si, signor!" and the poor fellow sighed again, and reddened with his
own inward confusion. "You will pardon me, eccellenza, for my freedom
of speech? I feel I have done wrong--"

"I pardon you for what in this world is never pardoned--excess of
love," I answered, gently. "Knowing you love me, I ask you to obey me
in my present wishes, and thus we shall always be friends."

His face brightened at these last words, and his thoughts turned in a
new direction. He glanced at the iron box I had before pointed out to
him.

"That is to go to Avellino, eccellenza?" he asked, with more alacrity
than he had yet shown.

"Yes," I answered. "You will place it in the hands of the good Signora
Monti, for whom I have a great respect. She will take care of it
till--I return."

"Your commands shall be obeyed, signor," he said, rapidly, as though
eager to atone for his past hesitation. "After all," and he smiled, "it
will be pleasant to see Lilla; she will be intereste