ich he laid down the law with unaccustomed volubility and
decision. Stretton listened, assented now and then, but took care to say
little in reply. A sudden turn in the road brought them close to a fine,
old building, grey with age, but stately still, at the sight of which
Mr. Heron became silent and slackened his pace.

"A magnificent old place," said Stretton, looking up at it as his
companion paused before the gateway.

"Picturesque, but not very waterproof," said Mr. Heron, with a dismal
air of conviction. "It is what they call the Villa Venturi. There are
some charming bits of colour about it, but I am not sure that it is the
best possible residence."

"You are residing here?"

"For the present--yes. You must come in and see the banqueting-hall and
the terrace; you must, indeed. My wife will be delighted to thank you
herself--for the rescue of the umbrella!" and Mr. Heron laughed quietly
below his breath. "Yes, yes"--as Stretton showed symptoms of
refusing--"I can take no denial. After your long, hot walk with me, you
must come in and rest, if it is but for half-an-hour. You do not know
what pleasure it gives me to have a chat with some one like yourself,
who can properly appreciate the influence of the Renaissance upon
Italian art."

Stretton yielded rather than listen to any more of such gross and open
flattery. He followed Mr. Heron under the gateway into a paved
courtyard, flanked on three sides by out-buildings and a clock tower,
and on the fourth by the house itself. Mr. Heron led the way through
some dark, cool passages, expatiating as he went upon the architecture
of the building; finally they entered a small but pleasant little room,
where he offered his guest a seat, and ordered refreshments to be set
before him.

"I am afraid that everyone is out," Mr. Heron said, after opening and
shutting the doors of two or three rooms in succession, and returning to
Stretton with rather a discomfited countenance. "The afternoon is
growing cool, you see, and they have gone for a drive. However, you can
have a look at the terrace and the banqueting-hall while it's still
light, and we shall hope for the pleasure of your company at some other
time when my wife is at home, Mr. Stretton, if you are staying near us."

"You are very kind," murmured Stretton. "But I fear that I must proceed
with my journey to-morrow. I ought not to stay--I must not----"

He broke off abruptly. Mr. Heron forgot his good manners, and s