too, that I would not
marry a Tuscan, were he the best made man in Italy. Then there
is his glance, which proclaims to all men's understandings that
he loves me, which same seems overbold; but then his smile!

Well, for a smile it certainly does credit to his wit, but one
cannot live upon smiles; though if one could, one might consent
to make a trial of his--and starve belike for her pains. (_She
drops her cheek into her hand and stands musing._)

Mr. Sylvester drew a deep breath and let his eyes fall, when suddenly a
hum ran through the audience about him, and looking quickly up, he
beheld Mr. Ensign dressed in full cavalier costume, standing behind the
musing maiden with a half merry, half tender gleam upon his face, that
made the thickly beating heart of his rival shrink as if clutched in an
iron vise. What followed, he heard as we do the words of a sentence read
to us from the judge's seat. The cavalier spoke first and a thousand
dancing colors seemed to flash in the merry banter that followed.

_Martino._--She muses, and on no other than myself, as I am
ready to swear by that coy and tremulous glance. I will move
her to avow it. (_Advances._) Fair lady, greeting! A kiss for
your sweet thoughts.

_Nita._ (_With a start_).--A kiss, Signior Martino? You must
acknowledge that were but a sorry exchange for thoughts like
mine, so if it please you, I will keep my thoughts and you your
kiss; and lest it should seem ungracious in me to give nothing
upon your asking, I will bestow upon you my most choice good
day, and so leave you to your meditations. (_Curtseys and is
about to depart._)

_Martino._--You have the true generosity, lady; you give away
what it costs you the dearest to part from. Nay, rumple not
your lip; it is the truth for all your pretty poutings!
Convince me it is not.

_Nita._--Your pardon, but that would take words, and words
would take time, and time given to one of your persuasion would
refute all my arguments on the face of them. (_Still
retreating._)

_Martino._--Well, lady, since it is your pleasure to be
consistent, rather than happy, adieu. Had you stayed but as
long as the bee pauses on an oleander blossom, you would have
heard--

_Nita._--Buzzing, signior?

_Martino._--Yes, if by that word you would denominate vows of
con