much-worn dressing-gown and slippers.

He removed his skull-cap as he approached, and said, "The Count
Tasseroni, at your orders."

"We have come here by appointment," said Baynton.

"Yes, yes. I know it all. Volkoffsky sent me word. He was here on
Saturday. He gave that French colonel a sharp lesson. Ran the sword
clean through the chest. To be sure, he was wounded too, but only
through the arm; but 'La Marque' has got his passport."

"You'll have him up there soon, then," said Baynton, pointing towards
the chapel.

"I think not. We have not done it latterly," said the Count, musingly.
"The authorities don't seem to like it; and, of course, we respect the
authorities!"

"That's quite evident," said Baynton, who turned to translate the
observation to his friend.

Selby whispered a word in his ear.

"What does the signore say?" inquired the Count.

"My friend thinks that they are behind the time."

"_Per Baccho!_ Let him be easy as to that. I have known some to think
that the Russian came too soon. I never heard of one who wished him
earlier! There they are now: they always come by the garden." And so
saying, he hastened off to receive them.

"How is this fellow to handle a sword, if his right arm be wounded?"
said Selby.

"Don't you know that these Russians use the left hand indifferently with
the right, in all exercises? It may be awkward for _you_; but, depend
upon it, _he'll_ not be inconvenienced in the least."

As he spoke, the others entered the other end of the hall. The Prince
no sooner saw the Englishmen than he advanced towards them with his hat
off. "My lord," said he, rapidly, "I have come to make you an apology,
and one which I trust you will accept in all the frankness that I
offer it. I have learned from your friend the Duc de Brignolles how the
incident of yesterday occurred. I see that the only fault committed
was my own. Will you pardon, then, a momentary word of ill-temper,
occasioned by what I wrongfully believed to be a great injury?"

"Of course, I knew it was all a mistake on your part. I told Colonel
Baynton, here, you'd see so yourself,--when it is too late, perhaps."

"I thank you sincerely," said the Russian, bowing; "your readiness to
accord me this satisfaction makes your forgiveness more precious to me.
And now, as another favor, will you permit me to ask you one question?"

"Yes, certainly."

"Why, when you could have so easily explained this misconception on my
part