the greetings of a brother and sisters and mother long
parted, followed. Meanwhile, Camillo's companion remained silent, having
respectfully removed his hat, and looking as if he felt his presence to
be profane at such a moment. But my brother turned, and taking him by the
hand, said:

"'Dear mother, I might well have stayed away from you twice as long, could
I have hoped to find a friend like this.'

"His companion smiled at the generosity of his introduction. He greeted us
all cordially and cheerfully, and the light fading rapidly, we rowed on in
the early starlight. The gondolas slid side by side, and there was a
constant hum of talk.

"I alone was silent. I felt a sympathy with Camillo which I had never
known before. The tears came into my eyes as I watched him gently
conversing with my mother, turning now and then in some conversation with
Luigi and my younger sister. How I watched Luigi! How I caught the words
that were not addressed to me! How my heart throbbed at his sweet,
humorous laugh, in which my sister joined, while his eyes wandered
wonderingly toward mine, as if to ask why I was so silent. I tried to see
that they fastened upon me with special interest. I could not do it.
Gracious and gentle to all, I could not perceive that his manner toward me
was different, and I felt a new sorrow.

"So we glided over the Lagune into the canal, and beneath the balconied
palaces, until we reached our own. The gondolas stopped. Luigi leaped out
instantly upon the broad marble pavement, and assisted my mother to
alight, then my sister. Then I placed my hand in his, and my heart stood
still. It was a moment, but it was also an age. The next instant I stood
free upon the step. Free--but bound forever.

"We were passing up the staircase into the palace, Luigi plucked an orange
bud and handed it to me. I was infinitely happy!

"A few steps further, and he broke an acacia for my sister: ah! I was
miserable!

"We ascended into the great saloon, and a cheerful evening followed.
Fascinated by these first impressions of Venice, Luigi abandoned himself
to his abundant genius, and left us at midnight, mutually enchanted. Youth
and sympathy had overcome all other considerations. We had planned endless
days of enjoyment. He had promised to show us his sketches. It was not
until our mother asked of my brother who he was, that all the human facts
appeared.

"'Heavens!' shouted my younger sister, Fiora, laughing with delight,