portance from Filangieri, I've no doubt," said
Skeff, rising and leaving the room. Before he had gone many paces,
however, he saw a large, powerful figure in the red shirt and small cap
of the Garibaldians, standing in the corridor, and the next instant he
turned fully round,--it was Tony.

"My dear Tony, when did you arrive?"

"This moment; I am off again, however, at once, but I would n't leave
without seeing you."

"Off, and whereto?"

"Home; I've taken a passage to Marseilles in the Messageries boat, and
she sails at two o'clock. You see I was no use here till this arm got
right, and the General thought my head would n't be the worse of a
little quiet; so I 'll go back and recruit, and if they want me they
shall have me."

"You don't know who's there?" whispered Skeff. Tony shook his head. "And
all alone, too," added the other, still lower. "Alice,--Alice Trafford."

Tony grew suddenly very pale, and leaned against the wall.

"Come in; come in at once, and see her. We have been talking of you all
the evening."

"No, no,--not now," said Tony, faintly.

"And when, if not now? You 're going off, you said."

"I'm in no trim to pay visits; besides, I don't wish it. I 'll tell you
more some other time."

"Nonsense; you look right well in your brigand costume, and with an old
friend, not to say--Well, well, don't look sulky;" and as he got thus
far--he had been gradually edging closer and closer to the door--he
flung it wide open, and called out, "Mr. Tony Butler!" Pushing Tony
inside, and then closing the door behind, he retreated, laughing
heartily to himself over his practical joke.

CHAPTER LIX. AN AWKWARD MOMENT

Alice started as she heard the name Tony Butler, and for a moment
neither spoke. There was confusion and awkwardness on either side; all
the greater that each saw it in the other. She, however, was the first
to rally; and, with a semblance of old friendship, held out her hand,
and said, "I am so glad to see you, Tony, and to see you safe."

"I 'd not have dared to present myself in such a dress," stammered he
out; "but that scamp Skeffy gave me no choice: he opened the door and
pushed me in."

"Your dress is quite good enough to visit an old friend in. Won't you
sit down?--sit here." As she spoke, she seated herself on an ottoman,
and pointed to a place at her side. "I am longing to hear something
about your campaigns. Skeff was so provoking; he only told us about what
he saw at Cava,