ld who had so
heroically sacrificed himself for her. All followed Signora Rovero to
the room of the invalid. He was better. The great inflammation of his
face had disappeared, and his eyes had returned to their orbits.
Apparently he was rapidly recovering; but the cruel prediction of the
physician seemed about to be verified: _He will live, but will never
speak again_. Only harsh and broken sounds escaped the invalid's lips.

Aminta, who had become Scorpione's nurse as soon as she was able to
leave her room, had already learned to discriminate between the
modulations of his voice. A kind of mute groan called her to him; a hiss
expressed pain or impatience; but when his violent and almost savage
nature was excited, a terrible bellowing was heard, and the bravest
heart might quail at the inhuman sound. Tonio was asleep when the
visitors entered his room, but he awoke, and without seeming surprised
at the curious faces that surrounded his bed, looked at them earnestly.

He first recognized Taddeo, and a contraction of his lips, which, bent
from their deformity, might have been called a smile, testified his
pleasure at the visit. Aminta's presence always produced a strange
effect on Scorpione, which his inability to speak enhanced. His eyes, of
pale green, became suddenly lighted up with a peculiar and gentle
languor, which was so tender that they seemed almost attractive. This
singular magnetism had a novel effect on the invalid. But his brow soon
became contracted; a violent storm seemed to agitate his heart; and the
hissing was heard.

"What is the matter?" asked Taddeo. Aminta said she did not know. He had
perhaps some new suffering, or something put him out of humor. Following
the direction of Tonio's eyes, she saw they rested sparkling and bright
on those of Maulear. Aminta quailed, and Henri, who saw her tremble,
hurried to sustain her. He thought the strength of the young
convalescent needed this aid. But at the moment when the girl accepted
the arm of Maulear, Scorpione rose and uttered the horrible cry by which
he expressed his impotent fury. All shuddered as they heard him. Aminta
let go Maulear's arm, and quickly sought, by gesture and words, to
soothe the Cretin, as she would appease an angry child. He became
soothed at once, and Signora Rovero left him, followed by Taddeo,
Maulear, and Aminta; but Aminta did not take Maulear's arm.

II. A NIGHT AT SORRENTO.

A feeling of uneasiness had suddenly taken po