overdoing yourself, old fellow," he said, affectionately,
when Dino was able to look up and smile. "You have been out too late.
And this den of mine is not the place for you. You must clear out of it
as soon as you can."

"Not as long as you are here," said Dino.

"That was all very well as long as we could remain unknown. But now that
Brett and Grattan consent to take up your case, as I knew they would all
along, they will want to see you: your friends and relations will want
to visit you; and you must not be found here with me. I'll settle you in
new lodgings before I sail. There's a comfortable place in Piccadilly
that I used to know, with a landlady who is honest and kind."

"Too expensive for me," Dino murmured, with a pleasant light in his
eyes, as Brian made preparations for their evening meal, with a skill
acquired by recent practice.

"You forget that your expenses will be paid out of the estate," said
Brian, "in the long run. Did not Brett offer to advance you funds if you
wanted them?"

"Yes, and I declined them. I had enough from Father Christoforo,"
answered Dino, rather faintly. "I did not like to run the risk of
spending what I might not be able to repay."

"Brett would not have offered you money if he did not feel very sure of
his case. There can be no doubt of that," said Brian, as he set two
cracked tea-cups on the table, and produced a couple of chops and a
frying-pan from a cupboard. "You need not be afraid."

For some minutes the sound of hissing and spluttering that came from the
frying-pan effectually prevented any further attempts at conversation.
When the cooking was over, Dino again addressed his friend.

"Do you want to know what I have been doing?"

"Yes, I mean you to give an account of yourself. But not until you have
had some food. Eat and drink first; then talk."

Dino smiled and came to the table. But he had no appetite: he swallowed
a few mouthfuls, evidently to please Brian only; then went back to the
solitary arm-chair by the fire, and closed his eyes.

Brian did not disturb him. It was plain that Dino, not yet strong after
his accident, had wearied himself out. He was glad, however, when the
young man roused himself from a light and fitful doze, and said in his
naturally tranquil voice:--

"I am ready to give an account of myself, as you call it, now."

"Then tell me," said Brian, leaning his elbow on the mantelpiece, and
looking down upon the pale, somewhat emaciated