nd leaned out to catch sight of the speaker; but the shadow
of the overhanging roof concealed him from view. "Can't you suffer those
two poor fellows to move on?" whispered his Lordship, as he placed a
piece of money in the officer's hand; "they look tired and jaded."

"There, thank his Excellency for his kindness to you, and go your way,"
muttered the officer to Billy, who, without well understanding the
words, drew nigh the window; but the glass was already drawn up, the
postilions were once more in their saddles, and away dashed the cumbrous
carriage in all the noise and uproar that is deemed the proper tribute
to rank.

The youth heard that they were free to proceed, with a half-dogged
indifference, and throwing his knapsack on his shoulders, moved away.

"I asked them if they knew one of her name in the city, and they said,
'No,'" said the elder.

"But they so easily mistake names: how did you call her?"

"I said 'Harley,--la Signora Harley,'" rejoined the other; "and they
were positive she was not here. They never heard of her."

"Well, we shall know soon," sighed the youth, heavily. "Is not this an
inn, Billy?"

"Ay is it, but not one for our purpose,--it's like a palace. They told
me of the 'Leone d'Oro' as a quiet place and cheap."

"I don't care where or what it be; one day and night here will do all I
want. And then for Genoa, Billy, and the sea, and the world beyond the
sea," said the youth, with increasing animation. "You shall see what a
different fellow I'll be when I throw behind me forever the traditions
of this dreary life here."

"I know well the good stuff that's in ye," said the other,
affectionately.

"Ay, but you don't know that I have energy as well as pride," said the
other.

"There's nothing beyond your reach if you will only strive to get it,"
said he again, in the same voice.

"You're an arrant flatterer, old boy," cried the youth, throwing his arm
around him; "but I would not have you otherwise for the world. There is
a happiness even in the self-deception of your praise that I could not
deny myself."

Thus chatting, they arrived at the humble door of the "Leone d'Oro,"
where they installed themselves for the night. It was a house frequented
by couriers and _vetturini_, and at the common table for this company
they now took their places for supper. The Carnival was just drawing to
its close, and all the gayeties of that merry season were going forward.
Nothing was talked of