d instead of answering his question, said:

"Signor, it appears to me that you are a foreigner?"

"Yes," said the stranger, smiling, "my Italian has betrayed me. I am a
foreigner, but hope that will not prevent your showing me comfortable
and agreeable rooms."

"Certainly not, signor; our most elegant and sumptuous apartment is at
your command," said the host, with a flattering smile. In the mean time,
however, he did not move from the spot, but gazed with confused and
anxious countenance first at the stranger, and then at his large trunk,
which the men were just lifting from the gondola.

"Will you please show me the rooms?" cried the stranger, impatiently
advancing into the hall.

The host sighed deeply, and threw a questioning glance at the head
waiter, who returned it with a shrug of his shoulders.

"I will first show you into the dining-saloon," murmured the
host, hastening after the stranger. "Will you please step in here,
excellency?" and with humble submission he opened the large folding
doors before which they stood, and conducted the stranger into the
magnificent saloon which served as dining-saloon and ball-room.

"Now, excellency," continued the host, after he closed the door, and had
convinced himself by a rapid glance that they were alone, "forgive my
curiosity in asking you two questions before I have the honor of showing
you your rooms. How long do you intend to remain here?"

"A few days, sir. Well, your second question?"

The host hesitated a moment; then looking down, he said:

"Your excellency is a German?"

"Yes, a German," said the stranger, impatiently.

"I thought so," sighed the host.

"Will you show me my rooms or not? Decide quickly, for I know there are
other handsome hotels on the Canale Grande where I would be willingly
received."

The host bowed with an aggrieved expression. "Signor, I will show you
rooms. Will you have the kindness to follow me?"

Like one who had come to a desperate decision, he advanced and pushed
open a door which led to a long passage, with rooms on each side; he
passed them all hastily, and entered a small, dark, side-passage, which
was little in keeping with the general elegance of the building; the
walls were not covered with tapestry, as those of the large halls, but
with dirty whitewash; the floor had no carpet, and the doors of the
rooms were low and small.

The host opened one of them and led the stranger into a small,
simply-furnished room,