rality. I was not reared on the virtuous benches of a
British Parliament; but if there is anything more in that letter, let me
hear it."

"There is only a warning not to see the Count of Syracuse, nor any of
his party, who are evidently waiting to see which horse is to win. Ah,
and here is a word for your address, Carlo! 'If Caffarelli be the man we
saw last season here, I should say, Do not make advances to him; he is a
ruined gambler, and trusted by no party. Lady C--------believes in him,
but none else!'"

This last paragraph set them all a-laughing, nor did any seem to enjoy
it more than Caffarelli himself.

"One thing is clear," said Caraffa, at last,--"England wishes us every
imaginable calamity, but is not going to charge herself with any part of
the cost of our ruin. France has only so much of good-will towards us
as is inspired by her dislike of Piedmont, and she will wait and watch
events. Now, if Bosco be only true to his word, and can give us a 'good
account' of his treatment of Garibaldi, I think all will go well."

"When was Garibaldi to set out?" asked Caffarelli.

"Brizzi, but he is seldom correct, said the 18th."

"That Irish fellow of ours, Maitland, is positive it will be by the 13th
at latest. By the way, when I asked him how I could reward this last
piece of service he rendered us in securing these despatches, his reply
was, 'I want the cordon of St. Januarius.' I, of course, remonstrated,
and explained that there were certain requisites as to birth and family,
certain guarantees as to nobility of blood, certain requirements of
fortune. He stopped me abruptly, and said, 'I can satisfy them all; and
if there be any delay in according my demand, I shall make it in person
to his Majesty.'"

"Well," cried Caffarelli,--"well, and what followed?"

"I yielded," said the Prince, with one of his peculiar smiles. "We are
in such a perilous predicament that we can't afford the enmity of such a
consummate rascal; and then, who knows but he may be the last knight of
the order!" In the deep depression of the last words was apparent their
true sincerity, but he rallied hastily, and said, "I have sent the
fellow to Bosco with despatches, and said that he may be usefully
employed as a spy, for he is hand-and-glove with all the Garibaldians.
Surely he must have uncommon good luck if he escapes a bullet from one
side or the other."

"He told me yesterday," said Caffarelli, "that he would not leave Naples
ti