could not hide his disappointment.

'To-morrow, and then only on one condition, which I took it upon me to
promise that you shall fulfil.'

The musician looked sharply at the speaker.

'I trust that you have not promised for me more than I may honourably
do,' he said.

At this Trombin instantly pressed down the hilt of his rapier and made
the point stick up behind; he pursed his mouth and opened his eyes till
they glared like an angry cat's.

'I would have you know, Signor Maestro, that it is not the custom of
Venetian gentlemen to promise anything not honourable, either in their
own names or for others!'

Pignaver would have apologised at once if either of the Bravi had taken
that tone, but the Sicilian singer was made of better stuff than the
Venetian Senator.

'Sir,' he answered quietly, 'I am not a quarrelsome man, and, moreover,
I am deeply indebted to you for my freedom. But there is a lady in this
case. Let me first know what Count Gambardella has promised in my name;
for if, as I hope, it pledges me to nothing unworthy of the Lady
Ortensia or of myself, I shall be doubly in your debt; but if not, which
heaven avert, I shall be at your service for a quarrel, without further
words.'

While he was speaking he met Trombin's ferocious stare steadily, and
when he had finished he turned to Gambardella. The Bravo liked his tone
and manner as much as he had despised Pignaver for his repeated
apologies. It would be shameful to stab such a man in the back, Trombin
thought; as shameful and unsportsman-like as an Englishman thinks it to
shoot a fox or to angle with worms for fish that will take a fly.

'The Mother Superior,' said Gambardella, paying no attention to what had
just passed, 'is a saintly woman. She requires that before taking away
the Lady Ortensia, you shall be duly married in the church of San
Domenico, early to-morrow morning. This, sir, I ventured to promise in
your name, and no more, as one man of honour speaking for another.'

'You could not have done me a greater service!' Stradella cried,
surprised and delighted. 'I am sorry that I ever questioned your good
judgment, sir!'

Trombin's fierce expression relaxed into one better suited to his round
pink cheeks, and peace was immediately restored. But the Bravi exchanged
glances which meant that they were perplexed by the undeniable fact that
they were beginning to like the musician, quite apart from their
admiration for his genius.

Before s